The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has awarded the first Paul Dockerill Award to Dr Scott McGibbon to develop a new silica safety toolkit, expected to launch in 2026.
This innovative resource aims to protect construction workers, clients, and residents by raising awareness about the dangers of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust, a prevalent but often overlooked risk in the construction industry.
The toolkit, made possible through a £10,000 funding boost from the CIOB, will provide both digital and printable resources to inform and equip users with best practices for working safely with silica. It will cover essential guidelines for minimising exposure to RCS, found in materials like concrete, brick, and cement. Long-term exposure to silica dust can cause debilitating conditions such as silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer, making it the second-highest risk to construction workers after asbestos.
Dr McGibbon, a former stonemason who now leads his own construction consultancy, feels a strong personal commitment to the project, having witnessed colleagues develop severe health issues due to silica exposure. “Despite the risks of silica dust being known for thousands of years, the impact of high exposure is irreversible, and mitigation can be achieved easily,” he said. “I’ve seen the devastating effects of RCS first-hand—on both individuals and their families—and that has driven me to develop this resource.”
The CIOB established the Paul Dockerill Award in memory of its former trustee, who passed away in 2022. Dockerill was a well-regarded figure in construction, known for his passion for building safety, skills development, and resident engagement. This award, launched to support projects in line with Dockerill’s values, provides up to £10,000 for initiatives focusing on innovation and safety in construction.
Bradley Price, director of policy and public affairs at Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis, endorsed the project, highlighting the urgency of raising silica dust awareness. “Too many lives are devastated by silicosis despite it being preventable,” he said. “Many who work with silica dust aren’t fully aware of the dangers it poses. Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis welcomes this initiative to educate and inform. We’re here for everyone affected by pulmonary fibrosis.”
The toolkit will be accessible to a wide audience, including construction professionals, clients, and even residents undertaking DIY projects, equipping them to handle silica safely. By offering expert guidance on preventative measures, it aims to ensure that construction work is carried out with a deeper awareness of potential health risks.