Asbestos & DustDiseases

Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which is made up of fine, durable fibres which are resistant to heat, fire and many chemicals. Asbestos was used for many different purposes including building materials, fire proof vests and in-home or commercial construction.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a dust disease. It is a chronic disease characterised by scarring of the lungs which can lead to long-term breathing complications. Asbestosis is exclusively caused by the exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately asbestosis is usually not diagnosed for many years, if not decades, after the exposure has occurred.

Many cases of asbestosis can be linked to consistent exposure to asbestos containing materials which exist in construction sites, on ships or in industrial facilities. Symptoms of asbestosis will include breathlessness that gradually worsens over time. With the scarring of the lung it begins to shrink and breathing becomes more difficult.

Diagnosing asbestosis can be difficult. It is usually made when a history is obtained of asbestos exposure confirmed by lung function studies and high-resolution CT scanning. There are many treatments available to sufferers of asbestosis to slow the progress of the disease and to aid in their living a long life following diagnosis. However, asbestosis is irreversible and there is no cure. Common treatment for asbestosis will include breathing treatments and medication. Surgical intervention is also an option but rarely undertaken.

Brydens Lawyers are experts in the prosecution of personal injury claims to recover compensation for those who have been injured during the course of their employment or otherwise. This includes the prosecution of claims for those who are suffering with asbestosis following exposure to asbestos either during the course of their employment or in any other circumstance.

If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis or there is a suspicion that you suffer from this disease then contact Brydens Lawyers today to speak with one of our experts for the purpose of enquiring as to what valuable rights to compensation you may have available which could include the prosecution of a claim through the Dust Diseases Tribunal or making a claim for benefits under a Superannuation/Total and Permanent Disablement Policy.

Crystalline Silica

We have all heard of claims brought by workers who have suffered significantly as a result of the exposure to toxic or hazardous chemicals such as asbestos which can lead to the contraction of asbestosis and/or mesothelioma. Many of us however may not be aware that Crystalline Silica, a substance found in most rocks, sand and clay as well as in products such as bricks, concrete, tile and composite stone, can be just as hazardous to one’s health.

A worker can be exposed to Crystalline Silica during the excavation or tunnelling through quartz containing rock such as shale or sandstone. The very fine particles of Crystalline Silica created are then inhaled. The airborne dust is likely to occur when the materials are either cut, sanded or drilled. Alternatively there can be exposure through dry sweeping or the use of compressed air to move the material. Depending on how much dust a worker breathes in and for how long, they will be exposed to a real risk of contracting Silicosis which is, essentially, a scarring of the lungs resulting in loss of lung function.

Employers are required to provide health monitoring to workers if there is a significant risk to the worker’s health because of exposure to Crystalline Silica. Where the risk to health and safety cannot be eliminated there are a number of controls that the employer must apply to minimise the risk. Such controls would include:

• Using local exhaust ventilation systems to remove dust at the source.
• Isolate areas of the workplace where dust is generated by other workers.
• Ensure regular housekeeping in dusty work areas to prevent the accumulation of dust.

If you have been exposed to hazardous chemicals such as Crystalline Silica and as a result have suffered an injury such as loss of lung function then you may be entitled to valuable compensation. Brydens Lawyers are the experts in the prosecution of all dust claims. For expert legal advice and representation contact Brydens Lawyers today to determine your rights to compensation and let Brydens Lawyers recover same for you.