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15 Jan 25
The Hidden Dangers of Silica Dust

Sarah McKenna, Solicitor and Head of the Disease Litigation team at Watkins & Gunn, explains the devastating impact that exposure to silica dust can have in the workplace.  

In recent years, there has been increased awareness and guidance published by the Health and Safety Executive (‘HSE’) concerning the dangers of exposure to silica dust. According to the HSE, it is “the biggest risk to construction workers after asbestos.” 

More recently, the HSE have acknowledged that there are some cases of individuals who have developed silicosis after working with artificial stone materials (such as kitchen and bathroom worktops). 

WHAT IS SILICA? 

Silica is a common, natural mineral found in stones, sand, clay and rocks which comes in two forms- crystalline and non-crystalline. Silica is used in many common construction materials such as tiles, bricks and concrete. Dust is generated when typical construction tasks are carried out on materials containing silica, such as drilling, cutting and grinding. Whilst the silica dust is not visible in normal lighting, it has become recognised that inhaling large amounts and over prolonged periods of time can cause serious damage to health. 

WHAT IMPACT CAN IT HAVE ON YOUR HEALTH? 

Exposure to silica dust can cause debilitating and even fatal respiratory conditions, including: 

  • Silicosis (which typically develops between 5-10 years after exposure) 
  • COPD – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 
  • Lung cancer 

WHO IS IT AT RISK? 

Those working in the following industries are most at risk: 

  • Construction workers 
  • Stone masonry 
  • Worktop fitting and manufacture 
  • Sandblasting 
  • Pottery and ceramics 

WHAT SHOULD YOUR EMPLOYER DO TO PROTECT YOU? 

All Employers must provide a safe working environment and protect their employees’ health and safety. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 place an obligation on Employers to protect their employees from ill health when working with specific dangerous materials and substances. 

If you work with silica dust, your Employer must therefore take steps and put adequate control measures in place to protect you, such as: 

  1. Providing suitable and adequate Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)
  2. Providing appropriate extraction

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU MAY HAVE BEEN AFFECTED? 

If you have worked with silica dust and have developed a condition such as silicosis, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation, even if you were exposed many years ago. For a no obligation discussion and specialist advice, please contact us – email – info@watkinsandgunn.co.uk; or call 0300 1240 40; or text “Legal Claim” to 88440 and we will call you.  

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Contact us for further information and bespoke specialist advice,  

Contact us today 0300 1240 400

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