News and Knowledge

Noise-induced hearing loss and workplace claims – Deaf Awareness Week (5th-11th May)

Deaf Awareness Week 2025 in the UK is centred around the theme ‘Beyond Silence,’ which promotes understanding of the diverse communication methods used by deaf individuals. It calls for improved accessibility, greater inclusivity, and equal opportunities.     One related issue is noise-induced hearing loss, with workplace injuries being a significant external cause. Raising awareness…

Over 300 soldiers suffer hearing loss and damaging effects of vibrations after Ajax trial injuries

The Army’s £5.5 billion investment into the Ajax armoured fighting vehicle programme 2010 has been delayed due to criticism from the National Audit Office, Defence select committee, and Public Accounts committee.   The delay included problems with the programme’s management as well as the development of excessive vibration and noise, which raises concerns regarding the…

London property developer fined over £88,000 after facing serious scrutiny from Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

A London property developer, Nofax Enterprises Limited, based in Maldon, Essex, has been fined £88,000 after facing serious scrutiny from Britain’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE).   The four-storey building site, located on Dalston Lane, was intended to house nine flats and a youth club on the basement floor. The Health and Safety Executive investigated…

Asbestos dangers suffer a lack of awareness, research reveals

New research has revealed that almost half of UK tradespeople don’t regard asbestos as a modern-day issue, with over a quarter of those surveyed admitting to ignoring correct removal procedures upon encountering it.   Training provider, High Speed Training, conducted a survey in September 2024. It questioned 500 tradespeople about asbestos, and the results found…

MoD launches investigation into aircrew cancers following helicopter allegations

The government has launched an investigation into the number of military personnel diagnosed with cancer, following claims that some helicopters exposed aircrew to toxic fumes.   At least six cases have already been settled out of court by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), and numerous other service members and their families are believed to be…

Silicosis: Do’s and don’ts for installing stone worktops according to HSE

The Health and Safety regulator has issued new, simplified advice for workers and employers who deal with engineered stone.   The newly published document has been issued after increasing concerns around workers inhaling stone dust – causing long-term and incurable health issues such as silicosis.     The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guidance is…

Silicosis: Warning issued over ‘trendy’ quartz kitchens as two people die

Unions have issued a warning about worktops made from engineered stone after 18 cases of deadly lung diseases have emerged, and two people have died after working with the material.   The engineered surfaces, which are often used in modern kitchens and bathrooms have already been linked to more than a dozen UK cases of…

Stonemason dies from Silicosis after working in ‘appalling conditions’

A man who developed silicosis after years of cutting kitchen worktops in ‘appalling conditions’ has died, his family has said.   Prior to his death, father-of-three Marek Marzec said the dust he inhaled while cutting benches made from quartz left him ‘unable to breath’ and ‘in terrible pain’ prior to his death.     He…

Asbestos Claims: Hundreds of asbestos inspections to be carried out in Council buildings

The Health and Safety Executive has launched a campaign to inspect hundreds of Council buildings to ensure that the risk of asbestos is being managed properly.     Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive will visit Council head offices across the country to ensure asbestos risks are being managed effectively to keep people safe.…

‘New Asbestos’: Warning issued after workers die from silicosis in West Yorkshire

A warning has been issued regarding the dangers of working with silica dust, after two men from West Yorkshire died after being diagnosed with silicosis.   Their widows have now spoken out, describing silica dust as the “new asbestos”. Silicosis is caused by inhaling toxic silica dust, which is commonly found in engineered stone, such…