Dust up north of the border – Elgin Cathedral stonemason awarded £3.5M Silicosis settlement

In Scotland, a stonemason named Gordon Walters has accepted an offer for £3.5 million following a settlement with the Scottish government.

Mr Walters worked on the restoration of Elgin Cathedral back in the 1980s where he helped to renovate and maintain the historical site.

In his work, he was exposed to significant amounts of stone dust, according to his solicitors. They argued that he was not given a mask. In the mid-90s his career came to an early end following his diagnosis of silicosis, as well as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Mr Walters says that he has been through “absolute hell”.

Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust, usually over many years. These dusts are found naturally, or in engineered stone and other common building materials such as plaster. Working with such materials can create a very fine dust that can easily be inhaled if proper protection is not provided.

Lupus, also caused by inhaling stone dust, is a long-term condition that can cause joint pain, skin rash and tiredness. It is not curable.

Workers should be protected by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH). However, there are still many cases of work-related silicosis and other diseases.

At Oakwood solicitors, we often advise those diagnosed with silicosis or other diseases. If you are suffering with any of the conditions mentioned or simply want to enquire, please feel free to contact our expert team.

Further reading

Hazardous substances at work – Oakwood Solicitors

Sources:  

BBC NEWS

The Herald, Scotland

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