Fracking In Suspected Silicosis Link

While Health and Safety procedures are seeing a reduction in accidents and industrial illnesses within the UK, some other countries are not so fortunate.

In South Africa thousands of gold miners have presented allegations that their exposure to silica during the course of their work has led to the development of Silicosis alongside a range of other lung conditions. There is currently a lawsuit featuring 27,000 miners, ex-miners and their families which if it goes ahead, is likely to open the floodgates to thousands more claiming compensation.

In the USA there had been a reduction in Silicosis claims, but since the introduction of Hydraulic Fracturing (commonly referred to as fracking) there has been an increase, and this could be to do with the amount of silica sand that is used in the process. Fracking involves forcing liquid into a well in order to create cracks through which natural gas and petroleum can flow. Huge quantities of silica sand are then used to keep the cracks open while the gases escape. According to Forbes Magazine, 95 billion pounds of sand was used in US fracking operations during 2014 alone. Once the sand is in the ground it is unlikely to cause health issues, but during its transportation, movement and delivery it can generate a lot of dust which can then be inhaled by those nearby.

While the Royal Academy of Engineering seems to support the use of fracking within the UK, it does so on the basis that best practices are implemented with regard to all aspects of health and safety, and that means ensuring that any RCS (Respirable Crystalline Silica) is managed appropriately, alongside all other areas of health and safety protocol.
When RCS gets into the lungs it can remain deep in the lining of the lung where it can cause inflammation and scarring and lead to the development of Silicosis, an incurable and debilitating lung disease.

If you or someone you care for has been affected by Silicosis or has lung problems due to working with silica dust in the past, you could well be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Our highly experienced solicitors are on hand now to answer any questions you might have about making a claim, and while Silicosis can take many years to develop, there are time-limits when it comes to making a claim.

Contact us today and let us get you the pay-out you and your family deserve.