Thousands of construction workers in Bradford are at risk from contracting fatal respiratory diseases through dust inhalation, according to research conducted for the launch of a new health and safety campaign.

The results from a survey by Speedy Hire show that 58 per cent of workers admitted not using protective equipment against dust inhalation, despite official figures showing that work-related dust kills 8,000 people every year.

Neil Thompson, group brand manager for Speedy Hire, said: "Given the fact that 63 times as many people die from respiratory diseases as die from falls at height, our findings show a worrying lack of knowledge and focus on occupational dust from the people that are most at risk."