News and Knowledge

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…

Director fined after hotel demolition exposes workers to asbestos

A company director has been fined after workers were exposed to asbestos during the demolition of a hotel in Cornwall.   Mr. Paul Stephens, director of the now-liquidated Stephens and Stephens Developers Limited, was fined more than £60,000 as a result of failures at the former Cliffdene Hotel in Newquay in 2020. The hotel had closed in 2018 and…

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…

Industrial Disease: How welders can stay safe during grinding

Workers in a number of industries may be at risk of developing vibration injuries if the correct training and protective equipment is not provided, and welders are just one profession where workers may be at risk.   Due to the nature of the job, welders are required to use equipment such as grinders to to…

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…

Company director jailed as workers exposed to 10 tonnes of asbestos

A company director has been jailed for eight months after failing to protect workers from exposure to asbestos at a student development project in Winchester.   Stephen Davies, 59, had set up Cavendish Winchester Ltd with the sole purpose of refurbishing the Winnall Close commercial unit into student rental accommodation. His co-director Neil Bolton, 56,…

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…