Survey highlights bakers in peril

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Article Date: 12 May 2004 - 0:00 PDT

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A recent survey of 55 UK bakeries has highlighted the vulnerability of workers exposed to flour and grain in the workplace, the second most common cause of work-induced asthma - a condition affecting one-in-10 of all asthmatic adults.

The survey, for the advisory committee on toxic substances, found very little compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (Cossh) Regulations and generally poor working practices.

Just 27 per cent of bakeries were aware of limits on flour dust exposure and only 26 per cent of those employing five or more staff had formally assessed hazards and other risks. Most were using outdated practices including flour dusting by hand, instead of using sprinklers or dredgers, and 'dry brush' cleaning instead of vacuum cleaning.

Work-induced asthma is preventable and early detection can lead to complete recovery, according to HSE occupational hygienist Dr Hugh Wolfson. 'Employers can do a lot to lower the risk of asthma in the baking industry.

Engineering controls, such as dust extraction equipment, are the starting point, along with the HSE's top 10 tips for bakers, Cossh guidance and routine health checks.' The HSE recommends routine workplace health checks for all bakery employees.

Writeen by Lisa Thompson

Source: Public Health News:
http://www.publichealthnews.com/news/showcontent.asp?id={8777DC92-1C6F-4FA6-BB44-BF4476DC6631}

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