Marek Marzec, 48, died on 30 November just weeks after speaking to The i Paper from his London hospital bed, where he was receiving end-of-life care for the deadly lung disease.
Mr Marzec’s death is the second known fatality from silicosis among engineered stone workers in the UK as concern grows over rising numbers of young men falling ill after inhaling dust from cutting the high-silica slabs.
The HSE can pursue criminal prosecutions against a business or individual if they find health and safety regulations have been seriously breached.
Marek Marzec died on 30 November at the Whittington Hospital, where he was receiving end of life care for silicosis (Photo: Supplied)It is understood that while the HSE’s enquiries could lead to a criminal investigation, they are at an early stage and no formal decisions have been made.
But its rise has been blamed on new outbreaks of an aggressive form of silicosis, an occupational disease that has afflicted workers in industries like mining or construction for decades.
His lawyers at Leigh Day have launched legal action against three companies he was employed by, where he alleges he was exposed to high levels of toxic dust that is likely to have led to his diagnosis.
“I cannot tell you how angry I am that I was allowed to work in these conditions and that my life has been cut short simply for doing my job.”
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Read More“I am not the only person whose life has been put at risk by this lethal dust. It is time for urgent action to stop these dangerous working conditions I had to face before other stone workers contract this terrible disease and die,” Mr Marzec said.
Following his death, his sister, Monika Woźniak, paid tribute to a “beloved father and brother who will be missed by all of us”.
“We are proud of the legacy he has left by speaking up for the victims of silicosis.”
Most workers who developed the condition were under 35 and face a faster disease progression and higher mortality rate compared with workers who contract silicosis from natural stone, such as in mining.
In the UK, there have been at least 18 cases linked to engineered stone diagnosed since last year, with a recent doctors’ study of the first eight workers finding their average age was 34.
Another man, Wessam Al Jundi, 28, died in May at Harefield Hospital while waiting for a lung transplant after contracting silicosis following five years cutting quartz in workshops.
Lydia Brown demanded a “timetable for action” from the HSE, the Department of Health and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government over the dangers of engineered – or artificial stone.
Coroner Ms Brown said: “In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.”
A HSE spokesperson said: “Our sympathies are with the family and friends of Marek Marzec at this time.
“We are making enquiries into his death and can confirm the Metropolitan Police has also been informed.”
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