MP seeks action over dust threat to stone workers
A Northumberland MP is calling for action over claims that the health of masonry stone workers’ is being put at risk.
Blyth and Ashington MP Ian Lavery – as chair of the Occupational Safety & Health Committee - is seeking an urgent meeting with the Health and Safety Executive following reports about workers being exposed to deadly
silica dust while cutting engineered stone.
Recent reports say health inspectors raised concerns at 58% of engineered stone workplaces visited as part of a nationwide inspection programme.
The investigation also highlighted growing fears that workers are developing silicosis, an incurable and potentially fatal lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust.
Mr Lavery says there is the danger of the country ‘sleepwalking into another occupational health scandal’ and warned of a repeat of the mistakes made during the asbestos crisis.
He said: “The reports we are seeing are deeply concerning. If these findings are accurate, then urgent action is required to prevent further workers suffering serious illness or death from exposure to silica dust.
“Silicosis is entirely preventable workers are being diagnosed with an incurable disease simply for doing their jobs.
“We cannot afford to sleepwalk into another occupational health scandal.
"The lessons of asbestos should have taught us that warnings must be acted upon early, not after thousands of workers have paid the price with their health and lives.”
He added: “That is why I have written to both the Government and the Health and Safety Executive seeking an urgent meeting to discuss how this issue will be addressed and what further action is required to protect workers.”
Engineered stone, commonly used in kitchen worktops, can contain very high levels of crystalline silica.
"When dry-cutting techniques are used, dangerous dust particles are released into the air and can penetrate deep into the lungs.
The disease can develop rapidly following exposure and there is currently no cure.
The HSE recently issued landmark guidance making clear that dry cutting of engineered stone is "unacceptable” and launched a programme of more than 1,000 inspections across Great Britain.
HSE research found that dry fabrication can result in silica exposure levels five to ten times higher than wet-cutting methods.