Hi. I understand your concern s. It depends on how severe is the COPD . if it is mild then you can use N 95 mask while at work. Better to get assessment of COPD by a pulmonary function test if not done earlier. Consult a pulmonologist for the same.

Many times it is not possible completely to go off the work in many patients though it produces some harmful effects . Hence it is just the question of how safley the job is done with out causing harmful effects . So if u feel u can do it that way it is ok. Also try to use some face mask like protective devices to reduce the dust exposure