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…

9 jobs most at risk of causing occupational asthma

Asthma affects more than 300 million people worldwide – but did you know that your job could put you more at risk of developing the condition?   Although some people are born with asthma and have it from childhood, studies predict that 16% of adults who develop it later in life is caused due to…

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…

Company fined after director knowingly exposed workers to asbestos

Workers at a building supply store in Manchester were knowingly exposed to more than 100 square metres of asbestos after the company director failed to have it removed safely.   HSE attended the premises on Talbot Road in April 2019 after concerns were initially raised over workers unsafely working at height during the demolition of…

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…

250,000 veterans agree to $6billion settlement for military deafness

A $6 billion settlement is set to move forward after more than 250,000 US army veterans alleged that ear plugs provided by employers to block out the sound of explosions has caused them ear damage due to design flaws.   The lawsuits relate to allegations made by US army personnel during the height of the…

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…

Pulmonary Fibrosis sufferers say they ‘wish it was cancer’ due to lack of support

People with Pulmonary Fibrosis say they “wish it was cancer” due to the lack of support they receive after being diagnosed.   A new survey, published by the charity Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis has revealed what it is like for people living with this debilitating condition, as well as highlighting what needs to change to…

London tube staff working on most polluted lines off sick more, study finds

Staff on some of London’s most polluted tube lines tend to be off sick more, research has shown, but more needs to be done to establish whether there is a link between the level of dust and ill health.   The largest-ever study of this type has been carried out to look into the potential…

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…