Workers exposed to silica dust are being urged to register their exposure with a new database "to assist with potential future legal action."
The online silica register has been set up by the Unite union to support future legal cases if those registered experience long-term health problems as a result of silica exposure.
The register is not limited to construction workers. Industries where workers are potentially exposed to silica also include mining, quarrying and stonemasonry, as well as foundries, potteries, ceramics, glass manufacturing and industries using silica flour.
Unite national health and safety advisor Bud Hudspith said:
The Unite silica register is an important step to help members provide evidence for possible future claims. Silica exposure can have long-term serious health consequences for workers, but simple measures can prevent the health of workers being damaged.
Unfortunately many employers remain willing to play fast and loose with the health of their workers. Unite’s primary aim is to ensure employers prevent silicosis and lung cancer through the removal or strict control of silica dust.
It’s dust not worth it ⬇️— Unite the union (@unitetheunion) August 5, 2019
Unite launches #silica register to protect workers whose health could be damaged by dust inhalation - https://t.co/TuhPhNMUuU pic.twitter.com/Qkxfp2NM62
Is Silica the new asbestos ?— Rebecca Crosland BESA Health and SAfety Advisor (@RebeccaCrosland) August 6, 2019
Have you ever been exposed to Silica?
An online silica register has been set up by the Unite union to
support future legal cases, if those registered experience long-term health problems as a result o…https://t.co/ir3IRrrQts https://t.co/R5CKUXqNWz
