Corporate responsibility

Millions of American workers have been needlessly exposed to dangerous levels of silica. In 1949 when England banned silica from sand blasting operations because of the silicosis hazard, European manufacturers began developing substitute materials. Despite this knowledge and the example set by other countries, American corporations continue using silica.

Corporations

The silica industry, like the tobacco industry, now admits that exposure to its products is hazardous. But because respirable (breathable) silica is invisible, manufacturers and suppliers cannot claim as the tobacco industry does that workers made a conscious choice to use their products. Even in cases where dust was visible, faulty equipment was often provided that gave the illusion of protection, while continuing to expose workers to silica dust.

Respirator manufacturers

Manufacturers who sold defective protective respirators that gave workers a false sense of security are equally at fault for the needless danger workers were exposed to. Many devices officially certified for use with silica dust failed to prevent inhalation of the harmful substance. Respirator manufacturers were aware of this problem but did nothing to correct it until recently. Particulate filters, the most common type used in the past, were designed to fail.

The incidence of silicosis is on the rise, and companies are liable if they knew of the danger yet chose either to ignore it or to not implement proper and effective safeguards.

If you think you have been exposed silica in the workplace, see your doctor for advice and testing. Also, find out if you might have the right to seek compensation from those responsible for your exposure. See Your legal rights.

Read a sample case where workers developed silicosis after having been recklessly exposed to silica.

Please contact us if you have questions or need more information. HendlerLaw represents individuals who have been diagnosed with silicosis. Call us 24 hours a day at 1-800-443-6353 or e-mail us at help@silicosisadvice.org.