News and Knowledge

Silicosis: Concerns raised for migrant workers in stonemasonry industry

Concerns have been raised for the safety of migrant workers who work in the stonemasonry industry after figures show that some are being exposed to toxic materials without protection.   The warning comes as Kevin Bampton, the chief executive of the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), said there were fears over workers being exposed to toxic silica dust when…

Woman dies from work-related illness caused by picking flowers and vegetables

A woman died from a work-related illness caused by picking daffodils and cabbages, an inquest has heard.   Rosa Perestrelo, 52, of Reawla Lane, Hayle, was exposed to breathing in irritants in her work picking vegetables and flowers, a respiratory consultant said. At the inquest, Dr Benjamin Soar told the Truro inquest that Ms. Perestrelo…

Three-quarters of bus drivers say work caused musculoskeletal problems

Three-quarters (78%) of bus drivers say their job has caused musculoskeletal (MSK) problems, according to a union survey.   Almost a quarter (23%) of the 400 bus drivers polled by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) said they had taken time off in the previous year due to back, neck or…

Calls for government to change asbestos safety regulations

The government has been urged to take further action to prevent more people from dying from asbestos exposure – 25 years after the deadly material was banned in the UK.   Figures show that despite a ban being in place for more than two decades, thousands of people are still dying from asbestos-related causes every…

Industrial Disease: Two former footballers die on same day after suffering from dementia

Two former football players have died this week after suffering from dementia.   Chris Nicholl, 77 who had played for Aston Villa, Southampton and Northern Ireland died on Saturday (February 24), the same day as former QPR and Manchester City player, Stan Bowles, aged 75. The players had made their mark on the football scene…

Royal Marines to sue Ministry of Defence for asbestos exposure 

Current and former Royal Marine Commandos are taking the Ministry of Defence to court after claiming they were exposed to asbestos whilst training in Latvia.   Edward Hill, an ex-marine engineer and vehicle mechanic claims their bosses breached their rights by making them sleep in a garage that allegedly contained the banned substance.    …

Company fined £15k after exposing workers to wood dust

A manufacturing company has been fined £15,000 after exposing its workers to wood dust and failing to comply with two improvement notices.   Wood dust can cause serious and often irreversible health problems, including sino-nasal cancer, asthma and dermatitis. Employers have a legal responsibility to prevent or adequately control exposure in the workplace.    …

APIL raises concerns that servicemen and women may be missing out on compensation

The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers has recently raised concerns with the Office for Veterans’ Affairs regarding military personnel and injuries suffered whilst serving.   The APIL is concerned that veterans haven’t had their rights made clear by the Government, meaning that those who are entitled could be missing out compensation they may be entitled…

How postcode lottery for vital NHS service could affect NIHL sufferers

Concerns have been raised by a charity after it was revealed that nearly 10 million people no longer have access to a vital NHS service.   Figures have shown that the NHS has withdrawn free earwax removal services across several NHS Trusts, creating a new ‘postcode lottery’ across the UK. According to the Royal National…

Metalworking fluids: Employers ‘not doing enough’ to protect workers

Inspections by the Health and Safety Executive have revealed that companies are ‘not doing enough’ to protect workers using metalworking fluids.   After carrying out more inspections, the HSE has said more than half of those checks have identified failings. Metalworking fluids (MWFs), also called ‘white water’ are commonly used in the manufacturing industry and…