Understanding the dangers of silica dust and silicosis, and making a silica dust compensation claim.
Silica dust has emerged as a critical health concern, with some experts suggesting its impact could rival that of asbestos. Many workers remain unaware of the dangers of silica dust, the debilitating condition known as silicosis, and the legal rights of those affected in England and Wales. Here’s what you need to know.
What is silica and why is it dangerous?
Silica, or crystalline silica, is a common mineral found in materials such as stone, rock, sand, gravel, clay, bricks, tiles, and concrete. It is also present in artificial and natural stone benchtops, as well as some plastic benchtops. When these materials are cut, ground, or polished, they release fine silica dust particles into the air.
Silica dust is 100 times smaller than a grain of sand, making it easily inhalable. Once inhaled, it can lead to severe health issues including:
- Silicosis: A lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, leading to inflammation and scarring of lung tissue.
- Lung Cancer: Prolonged exposure to silica dust increases the risk of lung cancer.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.
- Kidney Disease: There is evidence linking silica exposure to kidney disease.
The scope of the problem
While the issue of silicosis has been widely reported in Australia, resulting in numerous silica dust compensation claims and regulatory changes, the UK is also seeing a rise in silicosis cases linked to artificial stone worktops. The first UK case was identified in 2023, and subsequent cases have been documented. A recent paper detailed the first eight UK cases, all involving men with an average age of 34, one of whom had since died. These findings have prompted calls for urgent action, including a potential ban on artificial stone worktops which contain significantly higher levels of silica compared to natural stones.
Safety measures and regulations
Authorities in the UK are working to address the silica dust issue by recommending and enforcing safety measures. These include:
- Local Exhaust Ventilation: Systems designed to capture and remove dust at its source.
- Water Suppression: Using water to suppress dust during cutting and grinding processes.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Proper use of respiratory masks and other protective gear.
- Banning Uncontrolled Dry Cutting: Similar to measures in Australia, uncontrolled dry cutting, which does not use water or extraction methods to control dust, should be avoided.
Calls for a ban and industry reactions
In light of the rising number of silicosis cases, some experts in the UK are advocating for a ban on artificial stone worktops. Dr. Jo Feary, a consultant in occupational lung diseases, has emphasized the need for urgent action to protect young workers. Similarly, Dr. Christopher Barber and Dr. Patrick Howlett have called for stricter exposure limits and preventive measures.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK has stated that Great Britain has a robust regulatory framework to protect workers from hazardous substances and is considering further interventions to ensure worker safety.
Making a silica dust compensation claim
The rise in silicosis cases has led to increased awareness of the legal rights of victims. If you have been diagnosed with a silica-related condition, you may have a potential compensation claim. This is particularly relevant if:
- You were not provided with adequate protective measures.
- Your employer failed to comply with safety regulations.
- You were exposed to silica dust due to negligent practices.
At Slee Blackwell Solicitors, we specialize in handling personal injury claims related to occupational diseases in England and Wales. Our experienced team can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the claims process to ensure you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
What should you do?
If you believe you have been exposed to silica dust and are experiencing health issues as a result, it is crucial to seek medical advice immediately. Then contact Slee Blackwell Solicitors where one of our experienced lawyers will assess your case free of charge and explain how No Win, No Fee funding can work for you.
