News and Knowledge

Council fined after worker who repairs potholes diagnosed with HAVS

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after a worker who repaired potholes was diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).   Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is an occupational disease caused by repeated exposure to vibration tools. If an employer does not take the correct precautions to…

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.…

Nearly two million Brits suffered illness or injury at work this year

Almost two million British workers suffered an injury or illness caused by their job in the past year, figures have revealed.   The Health and Safety Executive this week published their workplace statistics for 23/24 which highlights how many employees are suffering at the hands of their employer.     The statistics reveal that the…

Rotherham Council worker Wins £15,000 compensation after work conditions cause serious back injury

Oakwood Solicitors Ltd has secured £15,000 in compensation after a client suffered an injury whilst working for Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.   In a recent settlement, a former childminder and Contact Support Officer, Zena, has been awarded £15,000 in compensation after her workplace conditions at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council led to a serious back injury.…

‘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…

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month, aimed at shining a light on occupational lung diseases and the actions that should be taken to protect workers’ health.   At present, it is estimated that 12,000 people die from work-related lung diseases every year. These deaths, linked to exposure to hazardous substances at work, include lung cancer…

Stonemason who has weeks to live warns of dangers of silicosis

A stonemason who has just weeks to live after being diagnosed with deadly lung disease Silicosis has spoken out to warn others of the dangers of working in the industry.   Marek Marzec, 48 is currently in hospital receiving palliative care after being diagnosed with silicosis in April this year. He contracted the disease after…

Asbestos concerns raised for health workers in ‘dilapidated’ hospitals

Concerns have been raised for those who work in hospitals as figures show they could be three times more likely to develop asbestos-related mesothelioma.   The statistics come after the Daily Mail launched a campaign to highlight the worrying amount of asbestos in Britain’s public buildings earlier this month.     According to research carried…

Asbestos: Woman diagnosed with mesothelioma issues warning to others

A woman diagnosed with a cancer caused by asbestos exposure has issued a warning to others to look out for the signs and symptoms of the disease.   Emily-Jane Scandrett, 41, was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, an incurable cancer most commonly found in men over the age of 75, after suffering from a ‘paralysing pain’…