News and Knowledge

HSE launches asbestos campaign to keep public safe

A new HSE campaign has been launched to help keep people safe from asbestos in public places.   The initiative, called Asbestos: Your Duty has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to help people who manage buildings understand their responsibilities and minimise asbestos exposure.     The new campaign relates to buildings…

BT worker died after being exposed to asbestos on a daily basis, coroner rules

A telecoms engineer who worked for BT died after being exposed to asbestos on a ‘day-to-day’ basis, a coroner has ruled.   Ian Stubbs, of Hawkes Lane in Bracon Ash, near Norwich, was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in 2021 after experiencing a long-term cough and shortness of breath. A personal statement, which he wrote before his…

What is Silicosis? List of symptoms, causes and diagnosis

Silicosis is a form of lung disease caused by breathing in crystalline silica dust, usually over an extended period of time.   Silica is a natural substance found in certain types of rock, stone sand and clay, but can cause serious health issues if it is inhaled. People who work in industries that use materials…

12,000 people died from occupational lung diseases this year, figures show

12,000 people died from lung disease deaths estimated to be linked to exposure at work in the past year, figures show.   The statistics, from the Health and Safety Executive, revealed that of the 12,000, 34% of people died from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and nearly a quarter (24%) died from non-asbestos-related lung cancer.…

475 ex-athletes seek to combine concussion lawsuit against 3 major sports organisations

A plea to combine claims from hundreds of former sportspeople suffering from neurological impairments into a group action lawsuit against the governing bodies of their sports will be heard at the High Court in London this week.   The plea, which is due to take place on Friday, will seek a Group Litigation Order (GLO)…

Almost 2 million workers suffered from ‘work-related’ illness this year, figures reveal

Almost two million workers in Great Britain reported suffering from work-related ill health over the past year.   The statistics, revealed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also showed that almost half of the cases were down to stress, depression or anxiety. The figures show that from 2022 to 2023 1.8million workers reported that…

Asbestos in schools – fears for 1,000 British schools after increasing number of teacher deaths

A new report has expressed ‘extreme concern’ as up to 1,000 schools could contain asbestos in the UK.   A report, published by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has revealed that 700,000 pupils are learning in ‘unsafe’ schools that need major rebuilding or refurbishment.     The report has criticised the school estate, adding that…

High Court Ruling allows 3,000+ Military claims to be made on a single form

Thanks to a new High Court ruling, it is now possible for 3,000 or more ex-military service personnel to submit a claim against the Ministry of Defence on one single form.   Mr. Justice Andrew Baker and Lord Justice Dingemans upheld an Abbott v MoD appeal, stating that a single group claim was permissible subject…

Sheffield company fined £200,000 after failing to protect employees from permanent condition

Sheffield company fined £200,000 after failing to protect employees from permanent condition.   A manufacturing company in Sheffield has been fined £200,000 after two workers suffered the life- changing condition, vibration white finger.     Ross & Catherall Limited is a company which manufactures and supplies metal bars for the aerospace and automotive industries. The…

City Council fined £200,000 after failing to protect workers

Plymouth City Council has been fined £200,000 after its failures led to two employees developing hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).   Plymouth City Council failed in its legal duty to comply with legislation even though guidance has been available for employers since 2005. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that between 2005…