Construction Safety Nova Scotia (CSNS)<\/a> has launched a new province\u2011wide awareness campaign to help workers and employers better understand the dangers of crystalline silica and take action to prevent exposure on the job. Crystalline silica is found in materials like concrete, stone, brick, sand, and tile and is common across construction and many related industries. Cutting, drilling, crushing, or grinding these materials releases fine dust that\u2019s often too small to see. Breathing this dust can cause severe, irreversible lung disease, including silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). More than 10,000 workers in Nova Scotia are potentially exposed to silica dust each year, primarily in construction and skilled trades.<\/p>\n \u201cSilica is one of the most common \u2014 and least visible \u2014 hazards on construction sites,\u201d said M.J. MacDonald, CEO of CSNS. \u201cThe harm it causes is permanent, but the good news is that silica\u2011related illnesses are entirely preventable. This campaign gives workers and employers clear, practical tools to reduce exposure and protect themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n For employers, the site offers:<\/strong> For workers, the site provides:<\/strong> Construction Safety Nova Scotia encourages all workers, supervisors, and employers in the construction and related industries to explore the new resources and integrate silica\u2011safe practices into daily operations. This campaign is funded in part through the Province of Nova Scotia\u2019s Occupational Health and Safety Education Trust Fund.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"-\"](\"https:\/\/www.canadiancontractor.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/concrete-dust-600x450.jpeg\")
This innovative campaign, Lungsquatters,<\/em> personifies respirable crystalline silica as \u201csquatters\u201d that move into a worker\u2019s lungs and never leave \u2014 making an invisible hazard visible in a memorable, relatable way. The campaign website, lungsquatters.ca,<\/a> is designed to support both employers and workers, offering clear and accessible guidance for recognizing silica hazards, using dust control methods, and understanding workplace rights and responsibilities.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u202fstep\u2011by\u2011step guidance to identify potential sources of silica on job sites and implement effective control measures
\u2022\u202fdownloadable templates, toolbox talks, and posters
\u2022\u202finformation on selecting and using proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
\u2022\u202fresources tailored to Nova Scotia\u2019s laws and regulatory requirements<\/p>\n
\u2022\u202fpractical information on how to protect themselves and others from silica dust
\u2022\u202fa PPE checklist
\u2022\u202fguidance on their right to refuse unsafe work
\u2022\u202fa quiz to help reinforce silica safety knowledge<\/p>\n