Silicosis victim takes legal action against employers

Stone of London, one of the companies Marzec has alleged is responsible for his silicosis diagnosis (Image: Google)

A stone worker who says he had to work in unsafe conditions is taking legal action against his former employers after contracting terminal silicosis, with doctors telling him he has just weeks left to live.

Marek Marzec, 48, a stone worker originally from Poland, has worked for fabricators in and around London since 2012.

He was diagnosed with silicosis in April of this year, and is currently being treated at Whittington Hospital in London, under the care of occupational lung disease expert Dr Jo Feary.

Following his diagnosis, Marzec is taking legal action against several of his former employers, which includes the companies Stonery Ltd and Stone of London Ltd, and is being represented by Leigh Day.

Marzec’s legal team says that despite his condition, he is eager to warn others against the dangers of being made to work with engineered stone in unsafe conditions.

Speaking from hospital, Marek Marzec said: “I arrived in the UK hoping to build a better life and wanting to make sure that my young daughters were financially secure. Instead, because of the work I did cutting quartz worktops, I have been left unable to breathe and in terrible pain.

“I cannot tell you how angry I am that I was allowed to work in these conditions and that my life has been cut short simply for doing my job. I am not the only person whose life has been put at risk by this lethal dust.”

He also implored: “It is time for urgent action to stop these dangerous working conditions I had to face before other stone workers contract this terrible disease and die.”

Leigh Day partner Ewan Tant, who is representing Marzec, added: “This is a tragic case, with my client now on end-of-life care as a result of working with engineered stone, in what he alleges were appalling conditions, totally unfit for purpose.

“No-one should end up facing the bleakest of outcomes simply as a result of going to work. We are deeply concerned that, unless something is done to address the dangers of working with engineered stone without proper protection, we may be looking at more cases with similarly appalling – and potentially fatal – outcomes in the near future.” 

However, Stonery Ltd, one of the fabrication companies Mr Marzac used to work for, said it disputes the claim, but adds that the company’s “thoughts and prayers are with him and his family”.

In a statement sent to kbbreview, Stonery added: “We will vigorously defend his claim against our company and are aware that Mr Marzec has also begun legal action against the two companies that he worked for, prior to joining us.

Stonery also claimed: “Our company prioritises the safety and wellbeing of all our employees, and we strictly follow all health and safety protocols. We have appropriate ventilation systems in place and provide appropriate PPE as standard practice. We will cooperate fully through the proper legal channels.”

Silicosis is an incurable disease which has been linked to those working with engineered or artificial stone products, which are commonly used in KBB projects as a worktop material. Workers can be exposed to harmful dust when the products are cut into if proper safety regulations are not followed.

According to Dr Feary, 16 current or former stone workers have now been diagnosed with silicosis in the UK. In the time since, one has sadly died, and two more have been assessed for lung transplants. In a landmark research paper into the condition published earlier this year, Dr Feary said that the government should consider a ban on the products in light of the diagnoses.

At the end of last year, Australia made a landmark decision to ban engineered stone products from its market following campaigns by several public interest groups. However, many suppliers and trade bodies have since argued that a similar ban would be unnecessary in the UK. They believe the key to avoid more silicosis cases is to ensure fabricators follow strict health and safety rules to ensure the safety of those working with the products.

Earlier this month, kbbreview reported that the UK’s Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is  drafting new guidelines for tradespeople working with engineered stone, and is asking industry organisations like the Worktop Fabricators Federation (WFF) for their feedback before it publicly releases the new advice.

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