‘New Asbestos’: Warning issued after workers die from silicosis

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A warning has been issued regarding the dangers of working with silica dust, after two men from West Yorkshire died after being diagnosed with silicosis.

Their widows have now spoken out, describing silica dust as the “new asbestos”. Silicosis is caused by inhaling toxic silica dust, which is commonly found in engineered stone, such as sandstone, quartz or granite.

New Asbestos

If stonemasons are not given the correct protection, precautions or training whilst cutting the material, they may be at risk of inhaling quantities of the dust, causing irreversible damage.

In this case, the BBC reports that Paul Gray and Stuart Johnson worked for the same stone production companies in Bradford and Leeds.

Mr. Gray, from Shipley, started working as a stone dresser in 1997, used power and hand tools to make paving slabs from reclaimed quarried stone.

He was in good health before he began to suffer breathing difficulties in 2017, and he died four years later.

Joanne Gray said her husband and son’s father was “taken away” too early.

Meanwhile, Mr. Johnson, also from Bradford, worked with Delph sandstone and gritstone, which is known for its high silica content.

He developed a persistent cough in 2013, but in 2017 he collapsed at work and never returned. He was diagnosed in 2018, 14 months before his death, having previously been “fit and active”.

The men had instructed lawyers before their deaths, to establish how they had come into contact with the silica dust which caused their illness. The families have since been awarded compensation for their suffering.

The Health and Safety Executive has described silica dust found in stone as the “single biggest risk to construction workers” after the notoriously toxic asbestos.

Meanwhile, West Yorkshire has been described as a ‘hotspot’ for the disease. If you have been diagnosed with silicosis after working with stone materials, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Silicosis – What are the causes?

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust, commonly found in industries where materials like stone, sand, or ceramics are processed. Long-term exposure to this dust leads to scarring and damage in the lungs.

Here are some of the primary jobs at risk of silicosis:

Jobs at risk of Silicosis

Construction Workers

Tasks at risk: Drilling, cutting, grinding, or blasting materials like concrete, brick, and stone, which release silica dust.
Preventive measures: Wet-cutting methods, dust extractors, proper ventilation, and respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

Miners and Quarry Workers

Tasks at risk: Drilling and blasting in mines or quarries exposes workers to high levels of silica dust.
Preventive measures: Using enclosed cabins in machinery, ventilated areas, water-spraying techniques, and specialized dust masks.

Stone Countertop Fabricators

Tasks at risk: Cutting and polishing stone, especially engineered stone, releases concentrated silica dust.
Preventive measures: Wet-cutting, local exhaust ventilation systems, and consistent use of RPE.

Glass Manufacturing Workers

Tasks at risk: Crushing and grinding silica-based materials.
Preventive measures: Containment of dust-producing processes and use of respiratory protection.

Sandblasters

Tasks at risk: Sandblasting uses silica-based materials to clean or finish surfaces, creating a high dust environment.
Preventive measures: Use of alternative, non-silica abrasives, fully enclosed sandblasting booths, and personal protective equipment.

Ceramic and Pottery Workers

Tasks at risk: Handling clay and other silica-containing materials during mixing, shaping, and finishing.
Preventive measures: Use of wet methods to minimize dust, proper ventilation, and dust masks.

Reducing the risk of silicosis requires strict safety protocols, including adequate ventilation, personal protective equipment, and regular monitoring of air quality.

What contains Silica Dust?

Silica dust is commonly found in materials that contain crystalline silica, a mineral present in many natural substances. Materials that contain silica dust include:

Sandstone
Granite
Quartz
Concrete
Bricks
Ceramics and tiles
Glass
Stone (like marble and limestone)
Asphalt
Soil, clay, and gravel

These materials release silica dust when cut, drilled, ground, or crushed, which is why industries like construction, mining, stonemasonry, and glass manufacturing are particularly at risk for exposure.

Symptoms of silicosis

Silicosis develops gradually and often shows symptoms only after years of exposure to silica dust. Symptoms may vary depending on the type and progression of the disease but generally include:

Early Symptoms

Cough – Often dry and persistent, a common early sign.
Shortness of Breath – Initially, it may only occur after physical activity.
Fatigue – Chronic tiredness can develop as the lungs struggle with reduced efficiency.

Progressive Symptoms

Chest Pain – As the condition worsens, some people experience discomfort or tightness in the chest.
Increased Shortness of Breath – Breathing difficulties may become more severe and occur even at rest.
Frequent Lung Infections – Silicosis weakens the lungs, making them more susceptible to infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.

What to do if you have been diagnosed with silicosis?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with silicosis, after being exposed to silica dust at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

This is because employers have a legal duty to ensure employees are safe at work, by providing adequate protective equipment, training and safety practices.

If you believe your employer failed to meet these requirements and as a result, you have suffered harm, you may be entitled to compensation.

What laws are in place to protect me from silicosis?

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

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 risks 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)

If these are not met and as a result, you have suffered harm, you may be entitled to compensation.

I have been diagnosed with Silicosis but I stopped working at the company a while ago, can I still make a claim?

If you have only been diagnosed with silicosis recently, then your action should be in time for limitation purposes, even if you were exposed to silica dust decades ago.

However, this is solely evidence-based for each action, so it is strongly recommended that you speak with a solicitor to take further advice as soon as possible.

Why should I use Oakwood Solicitors Ltd?

If you’ve been diagnosed with silicosis, you may be able to claim compensation for the damages. 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 can 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.

Silicosis treatment

At present, there is no cure for Silicosis because lung damage cannot be reversed. However, there is treatment available to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. There’s no cure for silicosis because the lung damage can’t be reversed. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

For example, you may be offered long-term home oxygen therapy if you’re having difficulty breathing and have low levels of oxygen in your blood.

Bronchodilator medicines may also be prescribed to widen your airways and make breathing easier.

In very severe cases, a lung transplant may be an option, although there are strict health requirements to meet before this will be considered.

‘New Asbestos’: Warning issued after workers die from silicosis in West Yorkshire