The Irish Cancer Society has joined forces with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), Construction Workers’ Health Trust (CWHT), and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) to address occupational health risks in the construction sector.

The collaboration is part of ongoing efforts to reduce exposure to hazardous substances that can cause cancer among manual workers.

Cancer accounts for the largest number of work-related deaths in the EU, with over 100,000 fatalities annually, and roughly 5% of cancers in Ireland linked to occupational exposure. Lung and bronchus cancer, along with mesothelioma, remain the most common types associated with construction and industrial work.

Manual workers frequently encounter carcinogens such as asbestos, silica dust, diesel fumes, cadmium, and arsenic. The partnership emphasises practical strategies to reduce these risks, including water suppression, on-tool dust extraction, containment systems, and appropriate use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Joan Flynn, Construction Sector Inspector at the HSA, said: “Construction sites carry inherent risks from dust and chemical exposure, which can lead to long-term health conditions including lung disease and cancer. Employers and contractors must apply engineering controls first, with PPE as a final line of defence. Effective collaboration can significantly reduce preventable exposures.”

Kevin O’Hagan, Cancer Prevention Manager at the Irish Cancer Society, added: “Up to 400 lung cancer cases in Ireland each year stem from past exposure to workplace hazards. Raising awareness and implementing clear occupational health guidelines remain essential for ongoing prevention. The partnership with construction associations reinforces a proactive approach to worker safety.”

The initiative also reinforces regulatory compliance and aligns with broader corporate responsibility objectives. Companies in the construction sector are encouraged to adopt these measures to safeguard employees while supporting long-term workforce sustainability.

Read the full report on how construction associations are tackling occupational cancer.