News and Knowledge

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   Figures have shown that the NHS has withdrawn free earwax removal services across several NHS Trusts, creating a new ‘postcode lottery’ across the UK.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…

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)…