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Occupational Cancer Awareness on National Highways Toolbox Talk: Protecting Workers from Workplace Carcinogens
The Occupational Cancer Awareness on National Highways Toolbox Talk provides essential guidance on identifying, preventing, and mitigating exposure to cancer-causing substances in highways and construction environments. Developed in line with Raising the Bar 33 (RTB33), this document follows UK health and safety legislation, including the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 and HSE guidance on occupational cancer prevention. It helps businesses implement effective controls to minimise carcinogen exposure and protect worker health.
Occupational cancer is a significant health risk in highways and construction work, with exposure to substances like diesel engine exhaust emissions (DEEE), silica dust, bitumen fumes, and UV radiation being key contributing factors. This toolbox talk covers critical information on workplace carcinogens, including:
The document emphasises the importance of the hierarchy of controls, starting with eliminating or substituting hazardous substances wherever possible. When this is not feasible, it explains how to implement engineering controls like local exhaust ventilation (LEV), followed by administrative controls such as worker training and shift rotations to limit exposure duration.
In line with Raising the Bar 33, the toolbox talk also highlights the significance of UV protection for outdoor workers and stresses the importance of regular health surveillance for those working with known carcinogens. Workers are encouraged to report any symptoms or concerns early and to participate in occupational health programmes designed to monitor long-term health risks.
Simplifying Toolbox Talk Creation with Our Online Generator
Our online document generator makes it easy to create customised toolbox talks like this one. By entering project-specific details, you can generate a professional, compliant document in minutes—helping your business maintain consistent, high-quality safety communication across all highways projects.
Useful Resources and Links
Traffic Signs Manual – Chapter 8: Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-signs-manual
Safety at Street Works and Road Works (The Red Book):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safety-at-street-works-and-road-works
HSE Guidance on Occupational Cancer and Carcinogen Exposure:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/cancer/index.htm
