World Lung Day 2021

25 September was World Lung Day (WLD) and the following HSE bulletin was issued to address this.

The theme for WLD is ‘care for your lungs’ and keep them healthy.  
“Occupational lung diseases can be caused by breathing in certain dusts, gases, vapours and fumes at work. Often life-changing, occupational lung diseases such as silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, emphysema and even lung cancer, cause severe and often incurable health problems.    HSE are shining a light on the risks of work-related lung diseases and how to control exposure to these risks. We want all workers to understand the risks in their workplace and how to keep their lungs healthy.    Employers have a legal duty to protect their workers from the risk of lung disease.   We have guidance at the links below which have information on how to prevent work related lung disease. They also include details on where to get help and competent advice to ensure the control measures you put in place are effective for your workplace. occupational lung diseases and the symptoms help to prevent work-related lung disease high risk work and how to prevent work related lung diseases“

HSE confirm enforcement action

Targeted inspections taking place

“Our inspectors are visiting businesses across Great Britain checking that controls for exposure to welding fume and metalworking fluids are managed and carried out correctly to minimise risk to workers’ health.

Breathing in welding fume and metalworking fluids can cause serious lung diseases. All workers should understand the risks and businesses must take the necessary precautions when their workers weld or use metalworking fluids.”

For further information, view our guidance on:

It Can Happen To you!

Occupational asthma – a former welder’s story

Work-related lung disease such as occupational asthma can have a devastating impact on workers’ lives.

Phil Hydes, a former plater welder, talks to HSE’s Chief Medical Advisor Professor David Fishwick about his experience of the disease, his symptoms and how his diagnosis of occupational asthma has affected him and his family.

Watch the interview here.

If your workers undertake welding, make sure the necessary precautions are being taken to protect their respiratory health by downloading our top tips. If you missed the recent welding fume and metalworking fluids webinar you can register to watch a free recording

If you have concerns over issues raised in this bulletin please contact us for confidential and impartial advice, LEV Thorough Examination and Testing. COSHH Regs.