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…

Australia bans engineered stone to protect workers from silica dust

From July 1, Australia banned the use of engineered stone to protect workers from the dangers of silica dust.   Engineered stone is commonly used on kitchen surfaces and worktops, but the silica dust released when cutting and handling the stone poses a serious health risk if inhaled.     Silica dust has been linked…

Companies fined after 16 year old exposed to asbestos at work

Two companies have been fined after a teenager was exposed to asbestos at work.   The 16-year-old had been working for P Turnbull Joinery and Building Services Ltd on an outbuilding of a domestic property after the firm had been hired by Alt Berg Holding Limited to refurbish the property in Richmond, North Yorkshire.  …

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…

Mesothelioma: Family sues Boots after gran’s asbestos-related death

The family of a former shop worker who died 60 years after being allegedly poisoned by asbestos is suing Boots for £135,000.   Anne Lawton, 77 started working at Boots in Hanley, Staffordshire aged 15. However, in 2019 she was diagnosed with the incurable asbestos-linked cancer, mesothelioma, and died two years later in 2021.     Before her death,…

Company fined after workers exposed to excessive amounts of wood dust

The health of workers at a wood waste recycling centre was put in danger after being excessively exposed to dust, the Health and Safety Executive has found.   Breathing in or inhaling wood dust can cause illnesses such as asthma and nasal cancer, however, with the correct protections in place, this is often preventable. Dust…

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…

Silicosis: Stonemason diagnosed with lung disease after working on historic castle

A stonemason diagnosed with severe lung conditions from harmful dust exposure while working on a historic cathedral says he lives in “constant pain.”   Gordon Walters, 60, started working on the maintenance and renovation of Elgin Cathedral in Moray, north-east Scotland, at age 16 in the 1980s. Over five years, he was exposed to large…

Occupational Asthma: Motorsport company fined for exposing workers to metal-working mists

A motorsport engineering firm has been fined after Britain’s workplace regulator identified numerous health and safety breaches which could lead to workers developing occupational asthma.   Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visited Hispec Motorsport Limited at its Dartford premises four times between February 2017 and July 2023. The company – a specialist…