CAMPAIGN Health and safety – Silicosis


dust extraction using local exhaust ventilation which can reduce concentration by over 90 per cent where used in combination with attachments such as dust cowls.


It is still advised to wear masks with these control measures.


When such measures are not possible Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)


is encouraged, but only certain RPE will protect against RCS.


It is important that the correct s : G e t


respirators are used, as many face masks look similar but have completely different uses.


Daniel encouraged members to think about their exposure, and how dust is monitored and controlled at work, pointing out that a properly ventilated mask is the only one that makes a difference.


One workplace where members have been working around silica dust for years and where Unite has been working with the employer to reduce exposure and the hazards facing workers, is Marshalls in Yorkshire.


They have three manufacturing sites in Halifax, one that cuts stone, producing a lot of dust.


Daniel explained that there is currently a lack of awareness of silicosis in some sectors, though this is changing.


Industries affected by silicosis include stone masonry and stone cutting, construction and demolition as well as worktop manufacturing and fitting.


Given the potential for developing a fatal condition, control measures are vital. These controls are needed not just during the task but also during clean up, tool cleaning and disposal.


Some of the most common methods to control dust include water suppression, which can reduce concentrations of RCS dust at source by up to 95 per cent and


Chris Haigh, Unite national convenor at Marshalls, has worked at the company for years, and said measures have been in place for over a decade.


Marshalls has stone delivered from local quarries and cut into products such as paving slabs and sets or cobbles.


Chris said, “The company has spent a lot of money on equipment and putting in policies to reduce silica exposure.


“Unite has been working with them to support members at the site by raising awareness of the dangers and ensuring that the workforce was consulted on any changes that might affect them.”


16 unite buildingWORKER Autumn 2025


Chris explained that initially there was some resistance with the introduction of full face helmets due to the need to be clean shaven to ensure an airtight seal.


But workers are used to the RPE now. Chris said, “There is a full procedure in place and everyone wears the masks, which blow clean air down through the mask. Overalls need to be changed every day and washed in-house to remove dust.


“One issue we had at the start was around radios. With a fully fitted face mask you can’t hear much, and now we’ve had built-in radios installed on all the kit.”


Chris feels that proper PPE is vital, explaining, “Silica is a silent killer, and you would be crazy not to take all the precautions needed.”


One thing that Chris also finds vital is to have properly trained Unite health and safety reps at work. Chris said, “Having health and safety reps is invaluable, and you can’t do without one. I insist that every steward is a health and safety rep.


“Half the arguments you get as a shop steward are around a safety issue, so having people trained up and ready to tackle management is very important.”


Something that becomes obvious from the safety measures taken at Marshalls is that if the company producing paving slabs takes that amount of care in ensuring their workforce isn’t exposed to the dust produced when they are cut, then so should employers asking workers to lay these slabs as pavements.


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Go to a GP and push for a referral…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


Daniel Poet, Thompsons Solicitors


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