Following a breakdown, there was a requirement for operatives to enter and clean out a mixer. The process created an amount of dust and the atmosphere was hot and humid.

One of the operators undertaking the task was wearing two-piece workwear (trousers and top). Following the clean-down the operative experienced discomfort to his lower back. The injuries were later diagnosed as lime burns, which he sustained from the lime dust reacting with sweat on his body and the general humidity within the area.

• For any cleaning duties that generate dust of a specific hazardous nature (refer to Safety Data Sheets / COSHH risk assessments to identify these risks), operatives should be issued with full-piece workwear / coveralls to protect them


• Operatives, who undertake duties that expose them to hazardous duties/chemicals/oils/ sensitisers and similar, should be encouraged to utilise shower facilities at the site to remove any contamination quickly


• All such tasks should have suitable risk assessments and standard operating procedures.