News and Knowledge

Call for new regulations as Silicosis cases confirmed in UK

A charity is calling for immediate action to prevent workers from developing silicosis after the UK sees its first confirmed cases.   Silicosis is an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling tiny crystalline particles of silica, a mineral found in stone. Silica is often used during the manufacture and finishing of engineered stone worktops, but…

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…

Failings by Basildon Hospital put maternity staff at risk

NHS bosses failed to keep staff safe from excessive nitrous oxide levels at a maternity unit, a report has revealed.   Basildon Hospital staff were not told about test results which showed their exposure breached safety limits for more than a year. The inquiry, carried out by the Good Governance Improvement (GGI) found that there…

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.    …

Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing speaks out about tinnitus battle

Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing has revealed that he suffers from tinnitus, which he has described as ‘debilitating’.   The former TV star, and now podcast host revealed in an interview that he has been suffering with tinnitus for eight years, after being exposed to loud noises at night clubs in his youth. The 35-year-old…

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…

HSBC pays out £900,000 to former employee for asbestos exposure

A former HSBC employee who developed an asbestos-related cancer after being exposed at one of the bank’s branches has received a £900,000 payout.   The former employee learnt she has mesothelioma when she had a chest X-ray following a car crash. After the accident, it was then linked to asbestos exposure while working as a…