Masonry firm fined for exposing workers to silica dust
THE Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning employers who work with silica-based materials to take correct safety precautions after two employees of York-based stonemasons William Anelay Ltd were left with potentially life-shortening lung diseases.
York Crown Court heard that the two stonemasons fell ill after being exposed to uncontrolled levels of respirable crystalline silica over a 14-year period between May 1994 and July 2008.
As a result of their exposure, both men have been left with long-term lung damage. So severe are their disabilities that one of the men has since been forced to take early retirement and the other man has been unable to return to work as a stonemason.
High levels of airborne silica had been identified 14 years earlier during a monitoring survey, but subsequent measures taken to protect employees were not adequate.
William Anelay Ltd, who pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, were fined £30,000 and ordered to pay £6,000 in costs.
Commenting on the case, HSE Inspector Julian Franklin described the working practices at the company as inadequate and dangerous.
He said: ‘During the investigation, HSE found that a combination of dry stone cutting with no ventilation or use of protective clothing resulted in the workers breathing in hazardous levels of respirable crystalline silica. This was allowed to happen for many years, which has meant that not only do both men have to cope with life-long, serious health issues which will affect them for the rest of their lives, their careers have also been affected.
‘Had the company acted on the information they received after a survey in 1994, these men may not now be suffering from serious illnesses.
‘I would like to remind employers working with silica-based materials, such as limestone, cement, mortar and sandstone, that it is vital that they take the correct steps to prevent a similar situation.’
The HSE has produced a wealth of practical advice and guidance for employers about this issue, which can be found on the HSE website, by calling the HSE information line on tel: 0845 345 0055, or by contacting local HSE offices.
York Crown Court heard that the two stonemasons fell ill after being exposed to uncontrolled levels of respirable crystalline silica over a 14-year period between May 1994 and July 2008.
As a result of their exposure, both men have been left with long-term lung damage. So severe are their disabilities that one of the men has since been forced to take early retirement and the other man has been unable to return to work as a stonemason.
High levels of airborne silica had been identified 14 years earlier during a monitoring survey, but subsequent measures taken to protect employees were not adequate.
William Anelay Ltd, who pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, were fined £30,000 and ordered to pay £6,000 in costs.
Commenting on the case, HSE Inspector Julian Franklin described the working practices at the company as inadequate and dangerous.
He said: ‘During the investigation, HSE found that a combination of dry stone cutting with no ventilation or use of protective clothing resulted in the workers breathing in hazardous levels of respirable crystalline silica. This was allowed to happen for many years, which has meant that not only do both men have to cope with life-long, serious health issues which will affect them for the rest of their lives, their careers have also been affected.
‘Had the company acted on the information they received after a survey in 1994, these men may not now be suffering from serious illnesses.
‘I would like to remind employers working with silica-based materials, such as limestone, cement, mortar and sandstone, that it is vital that they take the correct steps to prevent a similar situation.’
The HSE has produced a wealth of practical advice and guidance for employers about this issue, which can be found on the HSE website, by calling the HSE information line on tel: 0845 345 0055, or by contacting local HSE offices.
