News and Knowledge

Silicosis: Concerns raised for migrant workers in stonemasonry industry

Concerns have been raised for the safety of migrant workers who work in the stonemasonry industry after figures show that some are being exposed to toxic materials without protection.   The warning comes as Kevin Bampton, the chief executive of the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), said there were fears over workers being exposed to toxic silica dust when…

Silicosis: Stonemason diagnosed with lung disease after working on historic castle

A stonemason diagnosed with severe lung conditions from harmful dust exposure while working on a historic cathedral says he lives in “constant pain.”   Gordon Walters, 60, started working on the maintenance and renovation of Elgin Cathedral in Moray, north-east Scotland, at age 16 in the 1980s. Over five years, he was exposed to large…

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…

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…

R5 Billion settlement in Gold Miners’ Silicosis Case

A High Court in Johannesburg has approved an R5 billion settlement in the ongoing Silicosis case   The agreement affects workers who contracted Silicosis, a long-term lung disease, during or after their employment in gold mines from 1965. In May, lawyers representing the miners joined forces with mining groups in a bid to get the Court…

Countertop cutters diagnosed with Silicosis in Los Angeles

30 stone fabricators have been diagnosed with Silicosis since January 2016 in LA.   Making a living cutting and grinding engineered-stone countertops lead to Juan Gozalez Morin and Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez, ages 36 and 32, being diagnosed with Silicosis.     The pair were among 30 countertop fabricators to be diagnosed with the deadly disease.…