Over the last five years there has been a concerning resurgence of silicosis, a debilitating and incurable lung disease that was thought to have disappeared.
While historically associated with industries like mining, there has been an alarming increase in cases among workers in new sectors and using more modern machinery. Workers using artificial stone and those involved in tunnelling have been particularly impacted.
Segelov Taylor Lawyers has a long-standing commitment and expertise in representing victims of silicosis and other dust-related diseases throughout Australia,
An Alarming Rise: Silicosis from Engineered Stone
The primary cause of the resurgence in silicosis is from artificial stone products. An analysis of workers’ compensation claims in Victoria from 1991 to 2022 revealed a staggering 27-fold increase in claims between 2015 and 2022 compared to the preceding eight-year period. Critically, the median age of individuals diagnosed with silicosis has also decreased, indicating that younger workers are now being affected.
Silicosis prevalence rates as high as 28.2% among stone benchtop industry workers in Victoria and 22.7% in Queensland have been reported, highlighting the severity of the issue.
As a result of the impact of the artificial stone products, Australia became the first country in the world to ban the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone. While this ban is a crucial step towards protecting future generations of workers, it does not alleviate the suffering of those already exposed or diagnosed with silicosis due to past practices. The implementation of this prohibition underscores the conclusion that previous regulatory measures were insufficient to safeguard workers in the engineered stone industry.
Tunnelling workers also at risk
While most of the media interest of late has focused on engineered stone, there have been significant clusters of silicosis cases among other workers. By way of example, 13 workers involved in the tunneling of the M6 Stage 1 tunnel project in Sydney (Arncliffe to Kogarah) have been diagnosed with silicosis This cluster is notable for several reasons. It represents one of the largest single-project silicosis incidents reported in Australia in recent times. Furthermore, the diagnoses included a worker aged only 32, an unusually young age for silicosis manifestation, suggesting potentially high levels of silica exposure. While the impacted workers likely had exposure on different sites as well, the concentration of cases linked to this single site is highly concerning.
Recognizing the Signs: Symptoms and Health Consequences of Silicosis
Understanding the symptoms and potential health consequences of silicosis is vital for early detection and seeking appropriate medical and legal assistance.
Silicosis can manifest in different forms depending on the intensity and duration of exposure. In the early stages, individuals with silicosis may not experience any noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, several common symptoms may emerge, including persistent shortness of breath (dyspnea), a chronic cough (which may be dry or produce sputum), weakness and tiredness (fatigue), chest pain or tightness, and unexplained weight loss. The time it takes for these symptoms to develop can vary considerably. Acute silicosis can occur within weeks or months of exposure to very high levels of silica dust, while accelerated silicosis may develop within 3 to 10 years of initial exposure. Chronic silicosis, the most common form historically, typically appears after 10 or more years of lower-level exposure.
The recent surge in cases linked to engineered stone has highlighted instances of more rapid onset, with acute and accelerated forms becoming more prevalent due to the extremely high silica content in the material.
Silicosis is a serious and progressive lung disease that currently has no cure. Beyond the direct impact on lung function, silicosis significantly increases the risk of developing other severe health conditions. These include lung cancer, tuberculosis (TB), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompassing emphysema and chronic bronchitis, kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders such as scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis. I The diverse range of these potential health consequences underscores that silicosis is not solely a lung disease but can have a systemic impact, affecting other crucial organs and increasing vulnerability to infections and other chronic illnesses.
Your Rights and Entitlements: Segelov Taylor Lawyers can assist
Individuals diagnosed with silicosis due to workplace exposure have legal rights to seek compensation for the losses and suffering they endure
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with silicosis due to workplace exposure, it is crucial to understand that you have legal rights and may be entitled to significant compensation.
Segelov Taylor Lawyers are dedicated national advocates for individuals affected by dust diseases like silicosis. Our extensive expertise, deep understanding of the relevant legislation in every state and territory, and commitment to a “no win no fee” policy ensure that you can access the legal support you need, regardless of your location.
We encourage anyone diagnosed with silicosis to contact Sys today for a free, confidential case assessment. Our experienced team is here to provide you with expert advice, guide you through the complexities of the claims process, and fight tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.