Earlier this month, HSE published the health and safety statistics for Great Britain (2022 to 2023). The latest statistics published show an estimated 12,000 people died from lung diseases linked to exposure to hazardous substances at work.  There were an estimated 19,000 new cases of breathing and lung problems thought to be caused or made worse by work. This includes inhalation of wood dust that can cause occupational asthma and, in the case of hardwoods, sinonasal cancer. Work-related lung diseases have a devastating impact on workersâ lives. If effective controls are in place, occupational lung diseases are preventable.  As HSEâs inspection programme targeting woodworking businesses across Great Britain continues, ensure your business is managing the risks. We have free resources and guidance for woodworking. You can:  Furniture company fined over multiple wood dust failures Following HSEâs inspection programme as part of our focus on the woodworking industry, a furniture company has been fined £16,000 after it repeatedly failed to protect its employees from exposure to wood dust.  After the hearing, HSE inspector Ian Betley said:  "It is important to carry out statutory thorough examinations of extraction equipment and ensure face fit testing, as required by COSHH to help prevent ill health."  Read the full press release Woodworking company fined for dust exposure A woodworking company has been fined £25,000 for failing to control its employeesâ exposure to wood dust.  HSE Inspector Natalie Prince said:  "The fine imposed should underline to everyone in the woodworking industry that the courts, and HSE, take a failure to follow the regulations extremely seriously."  Read the full press release To help employers prevent stress and support good mental health, a free interactive tool has been developed that brings HSEâs Working Minds campaign principles to life. The Working Minds campaign promotes the principles of risk assessment, with a focus on 5 steps: reach out, recognise, respond, reflect, make it routine.â¯â¯â¯Â The new bitesize online learning is made up of 6 short modules that guide you step by step, with helpful tools and practical resources. Youâll come away with an understanding of what the law requires of employers and what you need to do to be compliant.  | 
