What is Silicosis? List of symptoms, causes and diagnosis

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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 containing silica are most at risk of silicosis. These industries include stone masonry and cutting, construction and demolition, worktop manufacturing and fitting, pottery, ceramics and glass manufacturing, mining and sandblasting.

What is Silicosis

Once silica dust is inside the lungs, it can cause inflammation and swelling which can lead to hardening and scarring lung tissue. If lung tissue is scarred in this way, it will not function properly, potentially leading to a host of medical conditions.

According to the NHS website, symptoms of can silicosis take many years to develop, and sometimes sufferers do not notice problems until they have stopped working with silica dust.

Silicosis symptoms

There are three main symptoms of silicosis:

A persistent cough
Persistent shortness of breath
Weakness and tiredness

Silicosis is usually developed after being exposed to silica for 10-20 years, but it can develop sooner if you are heavily exposed. Symptoms can also worsen even if you are no longer exposed to the dust.

Further problems

The condition can be fatal if the lungs stop working, or complications develop. Silicosis can also increase the risk of getting other conditions, including:

Silicosis treatment

There is currently no cure for silicosis because lung damage is not reversible. However, treatments are available to improve the quality of life and relieve symptoms.

Sufferers may be offered long-term oxygen therapy if they’re having difficulty breathing and have low levels of oxygen in their blood. Bronchodilator medicines may also be prescribed to widen the airways to make breathing easier.

Antibiotics might also be given to help bacterial chest infections. And in very severe cases, a lung transplant may be an option, but there are strict health requirements to meet before this will be considered.

Preventing Silicosis

Although Silicosis is not curable, it is a preventable condition. Employers should ensure that workers are protected from prolonged exposure to silica dust, to reduce the risk of health conditions.

In the UK, workplaces must comply with The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 to limit exposure to silica.

Under the regulations, employers must warn workers of any risks to health, ensure workers are aware of the correct procedures to reduce the risk of expose, and supply employees with necessary protection.

The law around industrial diseases

Silicosis can be classed as an industrial disease as it is commonly caused due to the nature of a person’s work or environment. But in the UK, laws and regulations are in place to ensure that employers keep workers safe and to minimise these types of health conditions.

If a worker develops an industrial disease, like silicosis, they may be entitled to compensation from their employer as they may have breached their duty of care and other regulations.

Employers have a number of duties set down by statute, as well as common law duty to ensure a safe place of work and a safe system of work:

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)

How to make a claim

If you have been diagnosed with an industrial disease, you may be entitled to compensation from your employer. To make a claim, contact the Industrial Disease team at Oakwood Solicitors who will be able to assist with best course of action.