|
|||||
Silicosis Compensation Claims
The commonest form of pneumoconiosis is due to the inhalation
of free silica e.g.
- Quartz
- Cryoptocrystalline
- Tridymite
- Cristobalite
- Amorphous
- Lung reaction
Industrial exposure occurs in mining, quarrying, stone cutting, sand blasting, some foundries, boiler scaling, in the manufacture of glass and ceramics and, for diatomite, in the manufacture of fluid filters. Particles of free silica less than 5 mm in diameter when inhaled are likely to enter the lungs and there become engulfed by scavenging cells (macrophages) in the walls of the tiniest bronchioles. The macrophages themselves are destroyed and liberate a fluid causing a localised fibrous nodule which will obliterate the air sacs. The nodules are scattered mainly in the upper halves of the lungs. They gradually enlarge to form a compressed mass of nodules. Sometimes a single large mass of tissue may occur, known as progressive massive fibrosis. If much of the lung is affected the remaining healthy tissue is likely to become over distended during inhalation.
Symptoms
There are no symptoms in the early stage. Later the initial complaint is of
a dry morning cough. Next occurs some breathlessness, at first noticeable
on exercise but, as destruction of the lung tissue proceeds, breathlessness
worsens until it is present at rest. The interval between exposure and the
onset of symptoms varies from a few months in some susceptible individuals
to, more usually, many years, depending on the concentration of respirable
free silica and the exposure time at work. Silicosis is the one form of pneumoconiosis
that predisposes tuberculosis, when additional symptoms of fever, loss of
weight, bloody sputum may occur. In the presence of gross lung destruction
the blood circulation from the heart to the lung may be embarrassed and result
in heart failure.
Diagnosis
This depends on a history of exposure and, in the early stages, a chest
X-ray showing tiny radio opaque nodules and, later, a history of cough
and breathlessness and sound in the chest detectable with a stethoscope.
Lung function tests may be helpful, but usually not until the late stages.
Prevention – Can a claim
for compensation be made?
Reduction of the dust to the lowest level practicable and where necessary
by the provision of personal respiratory protective equipment. Employers
are duty bound to ensure that their workforce are protected from exposure.
If an employer breaches its duty and an employee contracts silicosis then
it is not unreasonable for that employee to consider making a claim for
compensation as a result of his/her injuries.
For compensation and injury advice from a specialist claim solicitor simply complete 'industrial disease claim assessment form'.
 |
|
 |
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
 |
|
 |
