News and Knowledge

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…

Doctor dies after being exposed to asbestos while working at hospital

A doctor, 56, died from cancer after being exposed to asbestos while he was working at a hospital, an inquest has heard.   56-year-old Richard Jenkinson, from Christchurch, was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in 2002 after he suffered from breathlessness and a persistent cough. This week, Bournemouth Coroners’ Court heard how Mr. Jenkinson had written…

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)…

Woman dies from asbestos-related disease 60 years after exposure

A woman from Shrewsbury died of a lung disease caused by asbestos, 60 years after working at a plumbing firm, a coroner has concluded.   Collette Jennifer Breeze, 76 worked in the office of her father’s plumbing business for one year when she was 16.     But she did not stay with the business,…

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…

British Navy face higher risk of lung cancer due to on-board asbestos exposure, study finds

A University of Oxford study has found that asbestos exposure led to a higher incidence of asbestos-related lung cancers in British naval personnel than in any other armed forces.   The research, which was carried out in partnership with the University of Adelaide, was based on data collected from more than 30,000 United Kingdom and…

Ageing and noise exposure are the two major causes of hearing loss, study finds

Over 40 per cent of adults over the age of 50 in the UK suffer from hearing loss – with age-related damage (presbycusis) being the main cause.   Studies show that age-related hearing usually affects both ears and worsens over time. Age-related hearing loss happens due to the gradual wear and tear of tiny sensory…