HealthSCREEN UK
Silica X-Rays & Lung Health Testing
Silica dust represents a significant occupational health hazard in industries including construction, quarrying, and manufacturing. Prolonged exposure may result in irreversible lung damage, such as silicosis. Specialist silica X-rays and lung testing facilitate early disease detection, support employee health, and assist businesses in maintaining compliance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations.
Why Silica X-Rays Matter
- Early detection helps identify lung changes associated with silica dust exposure before symptoms appear.
- Regulatory compliance is achieved by adhering to the Health and Safety Executive’s Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) standards.
- Employee well-being is promoted through the protection of long-term health, the reduction of sickness absence, and the enhancement of workplace safety.
Silica chest X-ray services form an essential part of occupational health surveillance for at-risk employees.
Our Approach to Silica X-Rays
We combine specialist chest X-rays with lung function tests for reliable health assessments. Our services include:
- Referrals in private hospitals to facilitate convenient access.
- We conduct lung function assessments to monitor respiratory capacity.
- Employees receive confidential medical reports that help them actively manage their lung health.
- Employers are provided with summary findings to support workforce well-being and regulatory compliance.
- Our long-term health surveillance programmes offer ongoing risk assessment and early interventions to reduce illness, enhance productivity, and support continuous regulatory compliance.
Who Needs Silica X-Rays?
Silica exposure most frequently occurs in the following occupational settings:
- Stone cutting and masonry.
- Quarrying and mining operations.
- Construction and demolition sites.
- Foundries and manufacturing plants.
- Any workplace in which respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is present.
For employees exposed to silica dust, regular X-rays and lung testing are essential to monitor and protect respiratory health.
Choose Healthscreen UK
We have a wide experience in occupational health services. Businesses across the UK trust us for accurate, efficient, and compliant testing. We protect employees and help employers meet legal responsibilities.
FAQ:
Unfortunately, once silica dust has entered the lungs, it cannot be completely removed. But early detection through silica X-rays and lung function testing can help identify damage at an early stage, allowing for better management and prevention of further exposure. The best approach is regular health surveillance, effective workplace ventilation, and wearing appropriate respiratory protective equipment (REP) to stop the dust from reaching the lungs in the first place.
While silica and asbestos are different materials, both can cause severe and irreversible lung disease when inhaled. Long-term exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) can lead to silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even lung cancer, similar to the risks associated with asbestos exposure. That is why silica dust control and regular health checks are vital for worker safety.
According to HSE guidance, employees exposed to silica dust should undergo initial baseline testing when starting work in high-risk environments, followed by periodic surveillance every one to three years, depending on exposure levels. Healthscreen UK can provide tailored surveillance programmes to ensure full COSHH compliance.
Yes, but it must be done carefully to avoid spreading the dust. Work clothes should be washed separately from other laundry, ideally at the workplace or by a professional service equipped to handle hazardous materials. Avoid shaking out dusty garments or using home washing machines, as this can release harmful silica particles into the air.
Employers can easily book silica X-rays and lung testing through Healthscreen UK’s occupational health team. We offer appointments, ensuring minimal disruption to your business operations. From scheduling and risk assessment to medical reporting, our experts handle everything to keep your organisation safe, compliant, and proactive about employee wellbeing.
Contact us today to learn more about our drug and alcohol screening services and how we can help you maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
