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CAMPAIGN Health and safety – Silicosis
BEWARE ‘ THE
SILENT KILLER’
Silica dust is in many materials – and could lead to fatal silicosis
Unite has renewed its warning to workers about the dangers of silica dust, and that working with materials that produce the dust could lead to fatal silicosis.
Unite has joined unions across the world to campaign for greater awareness, and to protect workers from illnesses that result in hundreds of deaths every year.
Exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), the fine dust form of silica small enough to be inhaled, can lead to lung cancer. Exposure within the construction sector is annually responsible for around 450 deaths.
Delegates at the spring Unite national industrial sector committee (NISC) heard from Daniel Poet, Thompsons Solicitors. Daniel explained the dangers and talked about ways that Unite and Thompsons are working to support members.
Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of RCS, usually over many years. In rare cases, extreme exposure over a short term can result in developing the condition in a matter of months.
Silica is naturally found in certain types of stone, rock, sand and clay. Working with these materials can create a very fine dust that, once inhaled, cannot be removed.
Silica dust damages the lungs by causing inflammation, gradually leading to “progressive and irreversible” areas of hardened and scarred lung tissue called fibrosis.
This damaged lung tissue will not function properly. As the condition progresses, symptoms can become more severe, making simple activities extremely difficult.
15 unite buildingWORKER Autumn 2025
The disease normally develops many years after a worker has been exposed to the dust, and it can worsen even after exposure has ceased.
This time delay can make it difficult to prove that silica is the cause of a health issue, and Unite is encouraging anyone who has worked with silica- producing materials to sign up to the union’s Silica Risk Register.
Daniel said, “Go to a GP and push for a referral if you have symptoms and concerns. Silicosis can develop historically, years after exposure, but even if you have been working in a different role for years it is important to get checked.
“Getting a diagnosis will help with any claim that workers might have, something that can help with medical and living expenses if they are unable to work.”
n By Keith Hatch
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