Solidarity against silica

Unite members gathered outside the Unite office in Moreland Street yesterday (April 23) to show support and solidarity with the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) and its “Stop Deadly Dust” campaign against silica exposure.

The construction sector members were all delegates attending the spring National Industrial Sector Committee (NISC) in London, where they heard a presentation from Thompsons Solicitors about the dangers of silica dust and how the union is working to protect workers.

Unite affiliates to the BWI, and their new campaign is being launched to tie in with International Workers Memorial Day and is looking particularly at silica and wood dust exposure. 

Unite has been campaigning to reduce exposure limits on silica dust, and Unite Legal Services has information and a register for workers who feel they have been exposed to the dust at work. The union is encouraging any one who may have been exposed at work to add their details to the register and complete the Silica Dust Questionnaire.

Construction NISC delegate and BWI Regional Committee Members, Stuart Grice was involved in organising the show of support from the NISC. 

Stuart said, “Silica and wood dust can be deadly for people working in construction. It is vital that workplaces provide proper PPE and training to workers, and that they have Unite Health and Safety reps on site to support members and raise issues if they do occur.

“This campaign from the BWI is very important and I would encourage people to check out their website and find out more about the deadly impact that silca dust can have.”

Unite branches across the country are planning events to mark International Workers Memorial Day. You can find out more here.

Find out more about the BWI “Stop Deadly Dust” campaign here. 

By Keith Hatch

Photos by Mark Thomas