News and Knowledge

Experts call for ban on artificial stone worktops over silicosis risk

The growing number of silicosis cases linked to artificial stone worktops has sparked experts to call for urgent action, including a potential ban on these materials.   Silicosis is a fatal lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, which is prevalent in artificial stone due to its high silica content. The disease has no known…

Armed Forces forced to pay out £150m in compensation for hearing loss claims

Ministry of Defence chiefs have been forced to pay out £150 million in compensation to personnel and former Armed Forces members who claim their hearing was damaged by their time in service.   According to figures obtained by The Telegraph, close to 10,000 serving and former members of the Armed Forces have been compensated for hearing…

Cancer diagnoses linked to RAF Sea King helicopters

More concerns have been raised as former RAF pilots claim that black soot and fumes expelled from Sea King helicopters have led to more than 150 military personnel suffering from various types of cancer.   Former service members have reported that despite frequently inhaling fumes while riding in Sea King helicopters, no personal protective equipment…

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.    …