Investigation and inquest
On 1st September 2020 I commenced an investigation into the death of Allan David GUNNELL. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest . The conclusion of the inquest was that Mr Gunnell died from industrial disease as a result of exposure to silica dust in the workplace.
The cause of death was
1a Progression of severe pulmonary fibrosis due to silicosis
1b
1c
II Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Subsegmental pulmonary emboli; pulmonary bilateral upper zone infection
Circumstances of the death
Mr Gunnell was under the care of Interstitial Lung Diseases clinic at Hammersmith Hospital.
He had an in-life diagnosis of severe pulmonary fibrosis due to silicosis and the disease progressed to claim his life on 24th August 2020. Prior to his death he had been employed by your company and probably exposed to silica dust in the workplace.
Coroner’s concerns
Evidence was requested but not received in relation to the occupational health checks that are carried out by your company, given the hazardous substances and high risk working practises that your employees are exposed to.
The Health and Safety executive have published G404 which deals with the requirements placed upon employers who work with respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and there was no evidence before the court that you are working in compliance with this document, and advising your employees of the risks and carrying out the health surveillance required. This therefore potentially puts them at greater risk of developing the disease and not receiving timely health care. I therefore require you to consider the current arrangements in place to protect your employees an whether these are sufficient and in accordance with HSE guidelines and COSHH Regulations 2002.