CUMBERNAULD: The Health and Safety Executive has teamed with the Working Well Together campaign and Beatsons Building Supplies to stage a safety event for stonemasons.
The event takes place tomorrow at the independent builders merchants in Glencryan Road, South Carbrain, Cumbernauld. The training day will explain how construction workers and others handling stone products can protect themselves from silicosis - a potentially lethal lung disease caused by breathing in stone dust.
Pamela McKenzie of the HSE said: "There are many practical steps employees and employers can take to reduce the risks from inhaling stone dust. Recent inspections have found workers are still carrying out stone processing work without wearing appropriate respiratory equipment."
Around ten construction workers die each week from breathing dust containing crystalline silica produced by cutting drilling, grinding or polishing materials such as kerbing, paving blocks and concrete.
There will be examples of the correct respiratory equipment to use; a film showing the risks and how to control them; as well as leaflets and information packs.
The event is one of a number planned across Scotland organised by Working Well Together and supported by the HSE.
