Lung Cancer Awareness Month

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November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month, aimed at shining a light on occupational lung diseases and the actions that should be taken to protect workers’ health.

At present, it is estimated that 12,000 people die from work-related lung diseases every year. These deaths, linked to exposure to hazardous substances at work, include lung cancer and approximately 5,000 asbestos-related disease deaths.

However, in most cases, these occupational lung diseases, including cancer are preventable if the correct workplace regulations are followed. In this article we look at signs and symptoms of lung cancer and what preventative measures should be taken.

Occupational Lung Cancer – what are the causes?

Lung cancer caused at work, known as occupational lung cancer, often results from prolonged exposure to harmful substances and environmental factors in the workplace. Here are some common workplace factors associated with lung cancer risk:

Asbestos: Often found in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing materials, asbestos exposure is a well-documented cause of lung cancer. Tiny asbestos fibres can be inhaled, lodging in lung tissue and increasing the risk of cancer, particularly mesothelioma.
Silica Dust: Workers in mining, quarrying, and construction industries are exposed to crystalline silica dust, which, when inhaled, can lead to a condition called silicosis. This lung damage raises the risk of lung cancer.
Radon: Radon, a radioactive gas that can seep into buildings, is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. It is particularly hazardous in underground work environments like mining.
Diesel Exhaust: Many workers, particularly in transportation, construction, and mining, are exposed to diesel exhaust, which contains carcinogens that can increase lung cancer risk after long-term exposure.
Arsenic, Cadmium, and Other Carcinogens: Workers in smelting, battery manufacturing, and some agricultural environments may come into contact with substances like arsenic and cadmium, both linked to lung cancer.
Secondhand Smoke: For individuals working in places where smoking is prevalent, prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke can increase lung cancer risk.

Employers can reduce lung cancer risks by enforcing safety measures such as providing personal protective equipment, installing adequate ventilation, and monitoring air quality.

Lung Cancer Symptoms

Lung cancer symptoms can vary depending on the stage and location of the cancer but may include:

Persistent Cough: A cough that doesn’t go away or worsens over time is one of the most common early symptoms.
Coughing Up Blood (Hemoptysis): Even small amounts of blood in cough mucus can be a sign of lung cancer.
Shortness of Breath: As cancer grows and blocks airways or if it causes fluid buildup around the lungs, breathing can become more difficult.
Chest Pain: Pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing can indicate lung cancer, especially if it persists.
Hoarseness: If cancer affects the nerves that control the voice box, hoarseness can develop.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Rapid, unintentional weight loss is common in many types of cancer, including lung cancer.
Loss of Appetite: A decreased interest in eating may accompany weight loss.
Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest can be a symptom of cancer.
Bone Pain: If cancer has spread, it may cause pain in areas like the back or hips.
Frequent Infections: Recurring respiratory infections, like bronchitis or pneumonia, may be a warning sign.

Early detection is key in improving lung cancer outcomes, so anyone experiencing persistent or unusual symptoms should seek medical evaluation, especially if they have risk factors such as smoking or occupational exposure to carcinogens.

How to prevent Occupational Lung Cancer

The Health and Safety Executive lays out workplace regulations to ensure employees are protected from developing a lung disease at work.

The Health and Safety Executive states that employers have a legal obligation to ensure workplace regulations are followed, and safe practices are in place.

Preventing occupational lung cancer involves reducing exposure to harmful substances in the workplace and implementing protective measures. Here are some key steps that workers and employers can take:

For Employers:

Identify and Control Hazards: Recognize and label hazardous materials like asbestos, silica, and diesel exhaust. Implement ventilation systems and processes to minimize exposure.
Enforce Safety Regulations: Follow occupational safety standards set by regulatory bodies such as HSE.
Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure workers have access to respirators, masks, and other protective gear appropriate for their level of exposure.
Offer Training and Awareness Programs: Educate employees about the risks associated with hazardous materials and the importance of using PPE. Training can also include proper handling, storage, and disposal methods.
Regular Health Screenings: Provide regular health check-ups and screenings to monitor for early signs of lung damage or cancer, especially for high-risk workers.
Monitor Air Quality: Regularly check air quality levels in the workplace to detect harmful gases like radon and other pollutants that can increase cancer risk.

For Workers:

Use Protective Equipment: Consistently wear protective masks or respirators provided by employers when working with or near hazardous substances.
Practice Good Hygiene: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in contaminated areas, and wash hands and face thoroughly after working with carcinogens.
Report Unsafe Conditions: Report any safety violations or unsafe conditions to your supervisor or safety representative.
Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the potential hazards in your workplace and follow all safety guidelines and regulations.

By reducing exposure to harmful substances and promoting safer work environments, both employees and employers can help lower the risk of occupational lung cancer.

I have been diagnosed with an Occupational Lung Disease – can I make a claim?

If you’ve been diagnosed with an occupational lung disease in the UK, you may be able to make a compensation claim. Here’s what you need to do:

1) Check the time limits

In the UK, claims for occupational diseases typically need to be filed within 3 years from the date of diagnosis or from when you first became aware that your condition was linked to your work. This may also apply from when symptoms first appeared if they clearly relate to your occupation.

Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to compensation, so confirm your eligibility as soon as possible.

2) Gather medical evidence

Obtain documentation confirming your diagnosis, such as medical records, imaging scans, and reports from specialists.

Medical evidence should also establish that your lung disease is likely linked to workplace exposure. Occupational health specialists can be helpful in determining whether specific substances or conditions at work contributed to your illness.

3) Record your employment history and exposure

Document your employment details, including job titles, duties, employment dates, and any known exposure to harmful substances like asbestos or silica dust.

Supporting evidence, like workplace records, risk assessments, or testimonies, may help to show the presence of these substances and highlight any safety measures (or lack thereof) that were in place.

4) Seek legal advice from a Solicitor

Consulting with a solicitor experienced in occupational disease claims can make a significant difference in navigating the claim process and strengthening your case, particularly if there is any dispute over liability or causation.

Acting quickly and gathering thorough evidence can improve the likelihood of a successful claim.

What laws are in place to keep me safe at work?

As well as common law duty to ensure a safe place of work and a safe system of work, your employer will have a number of duties set down by law:

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Employers have a duty so far as is reasonably practicable to ensure the safety and welfare of their employees.

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Duty to undertake a reasonable risk assessment (Reg. 3)
Requirement to undertake a health surveillance (Reg. 6)

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

Ensure that suitable personal equipment is provided (Reg. 4)
Ensure an assessment of any personal protective equipment is undertaken to determine whether it is suitable.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002

Required to assess health risk where work is liable to expose employees to substances hazardous to health (Reg. 6)
Ensure exposure to substances hazardous to health is either prevented, or where not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled (Reg. 7)
Ensure any employee exposed to substances hazardous to health are monitored and under suitable health surveillance (Reg. 11)

Common types of occupational lung diseases

If you have been diagnosed with one of the following, you may be entitled to claim compensation. (please note this list is not inclusive, and if you have been diagnosed with other occupational lung diseases, you may still be entitled to compensation).

Mesothelioma – Caused primarily by asbestos exposure, mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs (pleura).
Silicosis – Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling fine crystalline silica dust, which scars lung tissue and increases the risk of lung cancer over time.
Asbestosis – Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibres, leading to lung tissue scarring. This condition increases the risk of lung cancer.

Why should I use Oakwood Solicitors Ltd?

Oakwood Solicitors Ltd agrees to work on your industrial disease claim on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be expected to pay us a penny. If you are successful in your claim, we take a percentage of the compensation meaning that the only time we will receive money is if we have brought your claim to a fruitful conclusion.

You will have a dedicated advisor who will see your claim through from start to finish, assisting you in the event of any queries or issues you may have. If it is preferable to you, we are able to assign a female advisor to carry out your claim.

Your case handler will also continue to provide regular updates until the conclusion of your claim, ensuring the process is as stress-free and effortless as possible.