Expert Workplace Illness Experts Back Calls From Institution of Occupational Safety And Health

Specialist workplace illness lawyers at national law firm Irwin Mitchell have backed calls for a pan-industry approach to controlling mineral dust in the workplace as a way of reducing the prevalence of occupational cancer.

The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) believes controlling the levels of mineral dust will reduce the number of people suffering from occupational cancer.

The organisation estimates that around 800 people a year in Britain die from lung cancer caused by prolonged exposure to silica dust at work.

Silica dust is generally created during work with stone, rock, plaster and concrete. If inhaled, it can cause a range of illnesses including silicosis, tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis and kidney disease.

Satinder Bains, a Partner and expert workplace illness lawyer based in the Birmingham office of Irwin Mitchell, who has represented those affected by occupational cancer caused by silica dust, has backed calls for a pan-industry approach to the problem of mineral dust in the workplace.

Expert Opinion

Prolonged exposure to dust in the workplace can cause a range of serious diseases that cause victims a great deal of pain and suffering. <br/> <br/>“Often in our work we represent individuals who sadly were not provided with the correct protective equipment, or warnings about the dangers of exposure to mineral dust. Exposure to dust affects hundreds of people every year and it is clearly an area where measures need to be taken as exposure is avoidable. <br/> <br/>“A pan-industry approach, as outlined by the IOSH, is a welcome move and we hope that all industries where employees may be exposed to dust can work together to improve safety standards and reduce the number of people affected by occupational cancer. Satinder Bains - Partner