Company Sentenced After Employee Silica Dust Exposure

The latest sting saw Go Stonemasonry investigated for their poor approach to Health and Safety. Employees were found to have been working with stone over lengthy periods without 'suitable and sufficient dust extraction'. Their lack of safety equipment led to an employee developing Silicosis – a life threatening condition. Go Stonemasonry was found guilty of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and were fined a total of £18,000. The full details can be found here.

This case reinforces the importance of dust control. In this instance, simple steps could have been taken to avoid employee exposure. Silica dust – the cause of silicosis – is commonly found in all sorts of building materials, including bricks, stone and concrete. Companies have a clear responsibility to protect their staff from breathing in these deadly particles, which can lead to respiratory issues, impaired lung function and death. Quite simply, by not providing clean breathable air, business owners and managers are critically failing in their legal and ethical obligations. The stonemason in the latest case would have avoided contracting an incurable disease, if his employer had only taken their duties seriously and used the correct precautions.

RVT provides specialist advice to companies up and down the country, helping them to maintain safe and breathable air throughout the dustiest of projects. Our range of effective extraction kits, filters, ducting and tents mean that there's a tailored solution for every project that doesn't hinder the work itself.

Contact RVT today to provide your team with a compliant and safe working environment.