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 to approve the settlement.

The case was described as one of the most complex lawsuits to date, which concluded with a R5 billion settlement. This means workers who contracted the disease will be paid out anything between R70,000 and R500,000.

Judge Leoni Windell said the terms of the settlement agreement demonstrated that they succeeded in their efforts, to ensure a reasonable, fair and adequate settlement was reached.

What should your employer do to protect you?

Employers in the UK must comply with The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). They must :

• Assess the risks to an individuals health by carrying out a ‘risk assessment’;
• Keep a written record of the risk assessment
• Inform workers of anything significant about the risk assessment;
• Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where necessary;
• Train all staff to safely use the equipment
• Ensure equipment is in good working order etc

More information from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) about silica dust exposure can be found here.

Further reading

Countertop cutters diagnosed with silicosis

Australia calls for ban on engineered stone

Ghana miners and dust inhalation

Respiratory disease claims

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If you have been affected by a similar respiratory condition or any other matter relating to exposure to conditions in the working environment that have had a negative impact on your health, get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation.

Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help you with your enquiry.