A private school has been fined £100,000 plus over £30,000 in costs after one of its maintenance staff was diagnosed with silicosis and then made redundant as a result.
Stonyhurst College was found guilty of serious health and safety breaches in their management of silica dust released during the maintenance of sandstone buildings.
Terry McGough, a 54 year old grandfather had been employed by the college for almost 12 years and was responsible for maintenance around the school, including working with sandstone that the historic building had been built from. The court heard that the school had failed to recognise the risks to employees and failed to provide protective equipment or procedures to reduce the risk created when the dust is disturbed. The workshop in which the maintenance staff performed their duties had inadequate ventilation and when Mr McGough had asked for conditions to be improved, he claimed his request was ignored.
Speaking on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive, inspector Mike Mullen said that: “There was no attempt by the college to assess and manage its workers’ exposure despite having their attention drawn to the matter by its own health and safety consultant in 2008. A worker who was previously very active now struggles to play outside with his grandchildren, and will suffer breathing difficulties for the rest of his life.”
The particles of silica dust, also referred to Respirable Crystalline Silica, are so small that they can easily be inhaled and taken deep into the lungs where they can become embedded in the lining of the lung and cause a range of illnesses including silicosis, asthma and lung cancer. Sensible risk assessment and implementing suitable health and safety procedures can reduce the risk of workers becoming ill and so employers who fail to provide this can be liable for prosecution.
If you or someone you care for has suffered as a result of inhaling dangerous particles as a result of their occupation, it is likely that you will be eligible to make a claim for compensation. Contact one of our friendly, experienced solicitors today and let us see how we can help you and your family get the compensation pay-out that you deserve.
