Stephen Gibson, 72, worked in quarries in Cornwall and the Peak District between 1976 and 1995, where he was regularly exposed to fine silica dust. He has now instructed Thompsons Solicitors to investigate the circumstances of his exposure. The legal case is ongoing.

Mr Gibson spent more than a decade working in a crushing and screening plant, grading granite, where he recalls being surrounded by “a fine dust everywhere”. He alleges that dust suppression was inadequate and that masks “clearly were not keeping the dust out”.

“Inside the plant was always very dusty,” he said. “I was working 10–12 hour shifts. We had masks, but when you took the rubber one off, the inside was white. It was impossible to keep dust out. When I got home and blew my nose, it was like black muck.”

His role required him to repeatedly enter an ageing silo to manually check stone levels, often several times an hour, because equipment had not been replaced. These checks were carried out in enclosed, dusty conditions.

After later working in a coating plant and spending several years at a quarry in the Peak District, Mr Gibson retired. But more recently, his health began to deteriorate.

He developed a persistent cough three and a half years ago, followed by shortness of breath, chest pain and episodes of coughing up blood. After undergoing multiple tests, he was diagnosed with silicosis in July 2023.

“Being told I have silicosis was a huge shock. I always thought I’d stay active in retirement, but now even everyday tasks are difficult. Even walking the dog is now a problem particularly when it is cold. I get pains in my chest.”

Due to the progression of his condition, Mr Gibson has had to give up activities he once enjoyed and now struggles with everyday life.

“It’s frightening not being able to breathe properly, and it’s had a real effect on my confidence and my wellbeing. I never imagined that the work I did so many years ago would come back to affect me like this.”

Mr Gibson

He has since learned that at least two former colleagues from his time in Cornwall have died after developing silicosis.

“I’m glad that this issue is now starting to get some media attention, and I am speaking out because other workers need to know the risks – no one should be left to cope with this decades after doing an honest day’s work.”

Silicosis is estimated to cause around 1,000 deaths each year in the UK, with thousands more affected, though experts warn that cases are significantly underreported. Workers across industries including construction, quarrying, and manufacturing are at risk from silica dust exposure.

Dan Poet, a Partner who heads up the silicosis team at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “Silica dust is one of the most serious yet overlooked workplace health hazards in Britain. Cases like Mr Gibson’s show how exposure can devastate lives decades later.

“We are seeing growing numbers of claims across multiple industries and will continue to fight for workers affected by preventable occupational diseases, while pushing for the stronger protections that are urgently needed.”

The legal investigation into Mr Gibson’s exposure is ongoing.