Every year 500 workers die prematurely from the effects of inhaling dust from materials such as sandstone, concrete, wood, mortar and gypsum. It is the silica in sandstone that causes the harm, leading to lung damage that can become cancer.

The half-day event in Coalville, Leicestershire, on Friday 20 September is organised by the Working Well Together group. It aims to raise awareness among managers, supervisors and operatives of the health problems caused by dust and the simple steps that should be taken to control it.

Practical sessions and demonstrations will focus on extraction systems, water suppression and respiratory protective equipment.

Chris Lucas, of HSE’s Health Risk Management Unit, who will be speaking at the event, says: "Construction dust is not just a nuisance, it is a serious risk to your health. Regularly breathing in even small amounts of dust over a long time can cause life-changing and life-threatening lung diseases, including cancer.

"Common jobs like cutting or grinding, chasing out mortar, drilling in enclosed spaces or sanding can be high risk if not properly controlled.”

For more information and to book a place contact HSE visiting officer Ian Weekes on 0115 971 2871.

Anyone unable to attend who would like to find out more aboiut the dangers of dust can download a free information sheet from www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis36.pdf