Claiming compensation for silica exposure
Emma Donovan looks at claims for compensation for silica exposure.
The risk of exposure to asbestos is one that has been highly publicised, with employers taking extensive steps to shield their employers from the harmful impact, but the health risk of silica is one that is often overlooked. These particles have been linked to many respiratory illnesses such as silicosis, obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Silica exposure is irreversible, with each additional exposure adding to the total volume residing within your lungs. The Health and Safety Executive has therefore launched a new initiative to raise awareness of the harmful effects of silica exposure in the UK.
Many of the people exposed to silica encounter it during the course of their employment. Silica is a natural substance which is found in most rocks, stones, sand, and clay, and so those working in the manufacturing industries are most at risk.
Employers owe their employees a legal ‘duty of care’ which extends to providing them with a safe and healthy workplace. The measures expected to be implemented include ventilation, water suppression and personal protective equipment.
However, these regulations are regularly breached, jeopardizing employee health. This is evidenced by the 2022 Silica Initiative, in which inspections demonstrated poor management of these control measures.
By failing to keep employees safe when working around silica, employers can be held legally liable for harm caused as a direct result of their negligence; with those employees being entitled to claim compensation for silica exposure.
At Slee Blackwell Solicitors, we have a highly qualified team of personal injury lawyers, happy to provide a free consultation for any illnesses related to or caused by crystalline silica. These claims are dealt with on a No Win, No Fee basis, so if you are not successful, you have nothing to lose.
