News and Knowledge

HSE worried about increasing reports of HAVS in 2021

A report release in November 2022 by the HSE has shown a dramatic increase in the number of new Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) cases in 2021.   To be particular, there were 300 new cases of HAVS reported in addition to 165 new Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and 255 new cases of Depuytrens Contracture. These…

Ghana miners and dust inhalation

Illegal gold miners in Ghana are suffering life-changing consequences resulting from dust inhalation. In many cases, these complications can remain symptomless for years.   A Ghanaian phrase for the occupation is “Galamsey”; a term which has come from the phrase “gather them and sell”. Within the Galamsey work force are workers tasked with pounding rock…

Dust down under – Australia calls for a ban on engineered stone due to Silicosis

In Australia, young men are being diagnosed with fatal illnesses and given short forecasts for the remainder of their days, according to the press.   News reporters in the land down under have covered the story of Kyle Goodwin, a 37 year old tradie who worked as a stonemason. Like many others who work regularly…

UK failing to manage asbestos

A report into asbestos has recently suggested that “extensive asbestos remediation work is still needed to thousands of buildings across the UK”.   The report jointly produced by the Asbestos Testing and Consultancy (ATaC) Association and the National Organisation of Asbestos Consultants (NORAC) indicated that that asbestos is still present in more than 100,000 buildings…

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…

Study finds increased risk of asthma attacks following relaxation of COVID restrictions

As many as 5 million people are effected with Asthma in the UK with some 300 million affected globally. Most are use to having to deal with the usual increased worry of winter when it comes to their asthma.   Every Asthma sufferer knows that colds, flu and in particular COVID-9 brings with it not…

Powys Health Board given £160,000 health and safety fine after employees diagnosed with HAVS

Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) has been fined for ‘serious and systemic failures’, which resulted in employees being diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).    The Welsh Health Board required its employees to routinely operate handheld power tools such as lawn mowers, strimmers, and hedge cutters without carrying out an assessment of the risks from exposure…

Workplace safety of farmers

For people who like animals and being out in the open air, working on a farm is probably your dream job.   It surely has to be the healthiest type of employment, whether its feeding the pigs, milking the cows or driving tractors to sow or harvest crops. Recent research highlighted by the Health and…

Are my headphones too loud?  

The Philly Voice have reported ‘nearly half of young people are listening to music too loudly.’   Exposure to high noise levels can unfortunately lead to permanent hearing loss. Although this may be irreversible, there are many ways in which you can prevent hearing loss.     Audiologist have suggested everyday conversations occur at or…

23rd anniversary of asbestos ban

Today marks the 23rd Anniversary since the ban on the use and sale of asbestos came into force in the UK, 24 November 1999.   The sad truth of this anniversary is that whilst the use and sale of asbestos is banned, it is still present in approximately 1.5 million public building across the UK.…