Vince’s story: The dangers of silica dust If there’s one message our client Vince wants to pass on to future generations, it’s this: your life is more important than work. Vince has silicosis, a lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust. Silica is a mineral found in soil, sand and many natural rocks and can also be used in artificial stone. Vince’s story For almost 30 years, Vince worked as a stonemason, and was fully exposed to silica dust, predominantly from Caesarstone when cutting bench tops. Vince, now in his 40s, was a very hard worker and loved his job, working extra hours and taking pride in his skills. But now, he says, it all felt like it was for nothing after the shock silicosis diagnosis. “The hardest thing about it is that I loved my job, and it felt like I lost a part of me,” Vince said. “I can’t work anymore, and I am often breathless. I want to be a part of society, so I have started going to gym to try strengthen my lungs.” Despite his diagnosis, Vince has a positive outlook on life. “It’s definitely changed my perspective, and the way I value life. I try to spend as much time as possible with my family.” While silicosis has no cure, Vince is trying his best to move forward with life and is hoping that compensation can provide some financial security for himself and his family. “All that hard work for almost 30 years and I feel like it amounted to nothing. I worked so hard to feed my family all those years, and I want to help my four kids pursue their lives,” Vince said. Vince worked in stonemasonry from the age of 17 until he was 42 and had to cease working. Despite his workplace putting in precautions such as keeping the areas wet to prevent mud, using water-based cutters and ensuring workers wore masks, Vince said that the dust still found its way into clothes, his car and even at home. “To those in the workforce and those coming into the workforce – look after yourselves,” Vince said. “It’s only a job at the end of the day, and your life is more important. Love yourself and put your needs first, and most importantly, if something at work doesn’t feel right, question it.” The dangers of silica dust Vince’s lawyer, Travis Fewster, said that there has been a worrying resurgence of cases of silicosis in recent years. “This increase in cases is likely related to a poor understanding of the risks involved in working with engineered stone, and a lack of adherence to safety regulations and surveillance requirements,” Travis said. He said that any occupation that involves sand blasting, cutting, excavating, building on sandstone, demolition work, tunnelling, quarry work and mining carry risk of silica exposure. Air-polishing concrete, foundry work, bricklaying, stone masonry, and making glass and ceramics also carry a risk of exposure. Even cutting a simple brick can be a risk. “Unfortunately, Vince’s life is forever altered by this diagnosis. While no amount of compensation can cure the disease, we hope to provide Vince with some closure and financial stability for his future, and raise awareness for employers and employees alike to be cautious when working in these industries.” Contact us If you’ve been exposed to dust and have received a silicosis diagnosis, our experience lawyers can help you obtain the compensation you’re entitled to. Arnold Thomas & Becker have locations all across Victoria, so no matter where you live, we can help you seek justice. Call us today on 1300 333 300 or send us an email at [email protected]