Today in the House of Lords I have an oral question – starting a short debate – on a workplace safety issue – silicosis – that has received surprisingly little parliamentary attention in the UK, despite Australia having just taken a big step forward in tackling it, and the All Party Parliamentary Group for Respiratory Health last year producing a report on the issue. 

What is the UK doing to address this problem?

Unlike asbestos, there is no specific law relating to the risk of silica dust, despite it being at least as lethal as asbestos. According to the advocacy group, Hazards, there are two main existing pieces of legislation that relate to silica exposure. First is the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), which requires employers to ensure the physical and mental health of workers and others impacted by their work activities or in their working environment.

Second, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) demands that employers lower RSC exposure among their employees  “as reasonably practicable.”