At EHS International, we understand that protecting workers’ health starts with ensuring their ability to breathe safely. Across many industries, employees are exposed to invisible yet serious risks such as dusts, fumes, vapours, gases, and biological agents that can lead to long-term respiratory conditions including asthma, COPD, silicosis, and even life-threatening diseases.
Why It Matters
A clear illustration of this risk in Ireland comes from THOR-ROI (The Health and Occupation Research network in the Republic of Ireland). Between 2005 and 2018, nearly 2,600 work-related illnesses were reported, with 10 percent (over 250 cases) being respiratory diseases.
Among these, asthma accounted for the largest share, making up around 32 percent of respiratory reports.
“Respiratory protective equipment should never be the first line of defence. It is the last barrier after all other controls have been considered.”
– Chris Mee, Founder of EHS International
Common Workplace Respiratory Hazards
- Dusts: Silica dust from concrete, flour dust in bakeries, or wood dust in carpentry
- Fumes: Welding fumes, diesel exhaust, and hot work residues
- Gases and Vapours: Solvents, cleaning agents, and industrial chemicals
- Biological Agents: Bacteria, mould spores, and animal dander
Industry Examples
- Construction: Silica dust during cutting or drilling concrete
- Manufacturing: Welding fumes that increase lung cancer risk
- Healthcare: Pathogens such as TB or COVID-19
- Food Production: Flour dust causing occupational asthma
Irish Legal Framework
Employers in Ireland are legally obliged to protect workers from respiratory risks. Key legislation includes:
- Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
- Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007
- Chemical Agents Regulations 2001 and 2021 (Amendment)
Failure to comply can result in HSA enforcement action, fines, or prosecution.
⚠️ Need help updating your Safety Statement to reflect respiratory hazards?
Our consultants can ensure your documentation meets HSA requirements and protects your workforce.
Managing the Risks
- Risk Assessment – Identify exposure tasks
- Elimination and Substitution – Remove or replace hazardous materials
- Engineering Controls – LEV systems, dust suppression, enclosures
- Administrative Controls – Training, safe work procedures, job rotation
- Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) – Fit-tested and maintained
Myths vs Facts
| ❌ Myth | ✅ Fact |
| “Dust masks protect against all airborne hazards.” | Only fit-tested respirators protect against fine particles like silica. |
| “If you can’t see or smell it, it’s not dangerous.” | Many gases are invisible and odourless, but still harmful. |
| “Respiratory diseases only affect older workers.” | Conditions like asthma can develop at any age. |
| “RPE is enough on its own.” | RPE is the last line of defence after all other controls. |
✅ Respiratory Hazards Checklist for Employers
☐ Have you identified tasks that create dust, fumes, vapours, or biological agents?
☐ Do you carry out exposure monitoring regularly?
☐ Is your Safety Statement up to date?
☐ Have you eliminated or substituted hazardous substances where possible?
☐ Are engineering controls in place (LEV, dust suppression, enclosures)?
☐ Do you have safe work procedures for high-risk tasks?
☐ Are workers trained and provided with fit-tested RPE?
☐ Do you review controls after changes in processes?
✅ If you ticked “No” to any of the above, your workplace may not be fully compliant with Irish legislation. Our team at EHS International can help you close the gaps quickly and effectively.
How EHS International Can Help
Founded by Chris Mee, EHS International supports clients across Ireland and the UK with:
- Risk assessments and workplace exposure monitoring
- Updating Safety Statements to reflect respiratory risks
- RPE awareness training and fit testing
- Guidance on engineering controls and best practice compliance
Breathe Freely, Work Safely
Protecting your workforce’s ability to breathe freely is one of the most important commitments an employer can make. With expert support, compliance with legislation can be transformed into a culture of care and prevention.
Book a workplace air quality survey with EHS International and identify risks before they harm your team.
Our consultants can update your Safety Statement to ensure full respiratory compliance with HSA regulations, giving you peace of mind and protecting your people.
📧 [email protected] | ☎️ +353 (0)21 206 6006
