Vivalda has launched its new 'Breathe Easy' initiative, encouraging contractors to consider off-site construction in order to combat dust inhalation.

As part of the campaign, Vivalda has also released a video highlighting the challenges faced by contractors.

This campaign follows recent Health & Safety Executive (HSE) announcements highlighting the fact that every week, more than 10 construction workers die from dust inhalation.

Ben Jayes, managing director of Vivalda group, said: "Despite guidance from the HSE on dealing with dust on-site, ignorance among both contractors and on-site workers remains remarkably high. In a recent construction industry survey, it was revealed that while only 12% of firms admitted to treating dust as a 'serious issue' at work, only 16% of employees were aware of the risks. What's even more sobering is the fact that there is plenty of legislation – in the form of COSHH and the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) that mandates action here.

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"To help combat this issue, we are encouraging contractors to consider the adoption of off-site fabrication as part of the solution. While there are steps that can be taken to ensure workers cutting bricks, paviors, concrete and cladding material are following best practice, we think contractors should also consider transferring many potentially hazardous site operations upstream, using off-site fabrication to reduce their exposure to an HSE inspection. A good example of this idea in practice is the cutting of rainscreen cladding, which is typically made from concrete, rock, terracotta and mixed alloys."

Vivalda has been encouraged in recent months due to the increase in the number of contractors assessing the pros and cons of off-site fabrication as a way of minimising the amount of dust generated on-site.

The company's Breathe Easy video is available below:

(CM/JG)