Silicosis is a form of occupational lung disease caused by workers inhaling crystalline silica dust found in concrete, bricks, sandstone and granite. It is most prevalent in occupations which include sandblasting, stone cutting, hard surface grinding and excavation. These occupations release particles of silica into the air which are inhaled by the worker. Our team at Your Claim Lawyers are equipped to pursue valid silicosis claims to ensure you are compensated in accordance with the law.
The Cancer Council says that in 2011 about 587,000 workers were exposed to silica dust and of these some 5,700 will develop lung cancer in the future.
Signs and symptoms of silicosis can occur quite quickly after exposure or may take many years to develop. Symptoms include shortness of breath, a cough, fatigue, chest pain and fever. This can lead to chronic bronchitis, obstructed airflow, autoimmune disease and many other complications.
Silicosis is not new and the existence of it and causes have been well known around the world for many years. Despite this many workers in Queensland have recently been diagnosed with silicosis and it is expected that in coming years many more workers will suffer from and be diagnosed with this work-related disease.
Silicosis can be prevented and prevention methods have been well known for many years but, despite this, some employers do not adopt full prevention methods which include wearing protective masks, utilising tools with vacuums, wetting down surfaces being worked on and vacuuming work areas.
If you have been diagnosed with silicosis or believe you may be suffering from silicosis Your Claim Lawyers can assist with silicosis claims. To find out more, please call us at any time on 1800 968 725 or 0400 839 314. Your Claim Lawyers is on your side.