But right now, people with silicosis aren’t being fast‑tracked through the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) system, even though the rules allow for it.
This delay isn’t just an administrative hiccup — it has real‑life consequences. Many workers are left waiting far too long for the recognition and support they’re entitled to. We’re highlighting this because workers with silicosis deserve to have these delays recognised and taken seriously by the people who can change the system.
Why fast‑tracking matters
Silicosis can get worse over time, and delays in the benefit process mean:
People are left without essential financial security
Families shoulder avoidable stress while waiting for assessments
Workers with the most severe forms of the disease face long waits for something that should be straightforward
Fast‑tracking exists for a reason — to make sure people with conditions linked to their work aren’t left struggling.
What we’re seeing
Across our work with people affected by silicosis, it’s clear that:
Fast‑tracking simply isn’t happening, even in cases where eligibility should be obvious
Workers with advanced disease are still being put through lengthy waits for assessments
The process feels inconsistent, slow and out of step with the seriousness of the condition
These failures add unnecessary pressure at an already difficult time.
Why we’re highlighting this
We only act for the injured and the mistreated, and we think it’s important to shine a light on systems that aren’t working as they should. By raising this issue publicly, politically and through the media, we want to:
Push for a fairer, faster process for people with occupational diseases
Make sure workers with silicosis are not forgotten or overlooked
Encourage proper scrutiny of how IIDB decisions are being handled
No one should have to fight through unnecessary bureaucracy when they’re already dealing with a life‑changing illness.
Understanding IIDB
IIDB is a government benefit. It’s designed to support people whose health has been damaged by their work. Silicosis is one of the diseases recognised under this scheme.
There is a growing problem: workers with silicosis are being made to wait far too long for assessments and decisions, despite the seriousness of their condition and the clear guidance that fast‑tracking should be applied.
What needs to change
A fair system would mean:
Clear, consistent use of fast‑tracking wherever appropriate
Practical support delivered quickly, without unnecessary hurdles
A process that recognises how silicosis affects people’s daily lives
Decisions that reflect the realities workers face, not the pace of bureaucracy
Workers shouldn’t have to push for this — it should already be happening.
We’ll keep speaking up about this because delays in the IIDB system shouldn’t be something workers just have to accept. If you’re raising concerns about silicosis in your own organisation or community, we hope this helps support your efforts to push for fairer treatment and a system that recognises people when they need it most.
