Story Highlight
– Marek Marzec, 48, died from silicosis after diagnosis.
– Family demands ban on engineered stone due to risks.
– Silicosis linked to cutting high-silica quartz countertops.
– Regulations for worker safety deemed insufficient by family.
– UK faces growing calls for tougher engineered stone regulations.
Full Story
Marek Marzec, a skilled stonemason from Poland, tragically passed away at the age of 48, just seven months after being diagnosed with silicosis, a severe lung disease linked to inhalation of hazardous dust from engineered stone. His family is now advocating for a ban on engineered stone in the UK, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced health and safety regulations in the construction industry.
Marzec succumbed to the disease in November 2022, after years of exposure to the silica-rich dust generated during the cutting of quartz worktops. Having moved to the UK in 2011, he sought to create a stable future for his three daughters through his profession. In recent years, the popularity of engineered stone surfaces has surged, making the risks associated with them even more pressing.
Recent statistics indicate that the number of stonemasons diagnosed with silicosis has increased dramatically, with at least 45 reported cases in the UK, and the average age of affected workers being just 31. This alarming trend has drawn attention from various stakeholders in the construction sector, including health and safety professionals and legislative bodies.
Joe Duggan, a senior journalist committed to uncovering the issues surrounding engineered stone silicosis, has followed this story closely for nearly two years. His investigation was recognised with a nomination for a prestigious journalism award, underscoring the significance of this public health issue. Individuals affected by silicosis are encouraged to reach out to Duggan for support and to share their experiences.
While silicosis has long been a known risk for miners and traditional construction workers, doctors are increasingly noting that silicosis relating to artificial stone arises after much shorter exposure periods. This stolen health is compounded by a concerning trend in the rapid progression of the disease, often leading to higher mortality rates compared to traditional silicosis cases.
The widespread use of manmade quartz is partly driven by its lower cost compared to natural stones like granite or marble. However, this artificial stone often contains significantly higher levels of respirable crystalline silica (RCS), which poses a much greater threat during cutting processes that don’t employ proper safety measures, such as water cutting or adequate dust extraction systems.
During his battle with the disease, Marzec shared a poignant account of his experiences in the workplace. In October 2022, while receiving care at Whittington Hospital, he described the working conditions that contributed to his condition, painting a stark picture of the thick dust that surrounded him. Marzec likened the environment to a “tornado,” obscuring his vision and making breathing increasingly difficult.
Following his diagnosis of acute silicosis on 20 April 2022, Marzec’s health deteriorated quickly. In an emotional interview, he reflected on conversations with doctors about his prognosis, conveying a sense of helplessness regarding his fate. Despite previously exploring the possibility of a lung transplant, his deteriorating condition made that option unfeasible.
His tragic passing on 30 November 2022 has brought the issue of engineered stone silicosis to the forefront. Marzec was not alone; he was the second UK worker known to have died from silicosis linked to engineered stone, following the death of 28-year-old Wessam al Jundi, who succumbed to the disease just days after being hospitalised for a lung transplant.
Marzec’s family has made public their belief that stronger regulatory measures are essential to protect workers in the industry. They posited that the appalling conditions under which Marek worked were entirely preventable, especially since there are alternative materials available that might mitigate the risks associated with silica exposure. They are calling for rigorous safety standards and outright bans on engineered stone to safeguard future generations of workers.
The situation in Australia has been indicative of a growing global awareness of the hazards posed by engineered stone, as the country became the first to implement a complete ban on the material, following numerous cases of silicosis among young stonemasons.
Marzec articulated concerns about the lack of safety equipment in his workplace, citing instances where he requested dust extraction mechanisms but was met with indifference from management, leading to his decision to leave if conditions did not improve.
Experts, including Ewan Tant, a partner at Leigh Day law firm representing Marzec’s family, highlighted the pattern of negligence that has resulted in numerous cases of silicosis in the sector. He emphasised the need for immediate action to prevent further loss of life and prevent unnecessary suffering among families like Marzec’s.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has extended condolences to families affected by work-related diseases but also drove home the importance of using low silica products, which can substantially reduce the risks associated with construction work while maintaining aesthetic and functional qualities.
The tragic story of Marek Marzec has sparked an outcry for reform within the construction industry, with hopes that through shared experiences, the cycle of preventable illness and loss can be broken, ensuring that no other families endure similar heartache.
Our Thoughts
Marek Marzec’s tragic death from silicosis highlights critical failures in health and safety practices within the stonemasonry industry. Compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations should have been prioritized, requiring employers to conduct risk assessments and implement appropriate control measures, such as effective dust extraction systems and wet cutting techniques.
The lack of these safety measures in Mr. Marzec’s workplace directly contributed to his exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), thereby breaching regulations aimed at protecting workers from hazardous dust. Adequate training and information regarding the risks associated with cutting engineered stone are also essential under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
To prevent similar incidents, it is vital to reinforce regulations surrounding the use of engineered stone, including mandatory health surveillance for workers exposed to silica dust. Additionally, increasing awareness and enforcing compliance could mitigate the risks, potentially foster safer working conditions, and encourage the adoption of alternative materials with lower silica content. The call for stronger regulations and preventive measures from Marzec’s family underscores the urgent need for action in the sector to protect workers’ health.
