Crystalline Silica Compensation

Updated July 2026

Crystalline silica compensation claims may be made if you’ve been exposed to fine dust silica particles. Any such exposure is a serious workplace hazard which has the potential to cause long‑term harm to your lung health. If you or a loved one has developed an illness because an employer failed to protect you from silica dust, you may be entitled to claim compensation for an industrial illness.

Call our specialists on 0333 358 3034 or fill out our online form to arrange a no-obligation confidential conversation about your potential claim.

What Is Crystalline Silica and Why Is It Dangerous?

Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in many common materials used across a number of industries in England and Wales. When these materials are cut, drilled, crushed, or ground, they release fine silica dust particles into the air. These particles are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they can cause permanent damage.

The most hazardous form is respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Once inhaled, RCS may  lead to:

• Silicosis: a progressive, incurable lung disease caused by scarring.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
• Lung cancer: silica is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen.
• Increased risk of tuberculosis and kidney disease.

These conditions often develop gradually, meaning workers may not realise the extent of the harm until some years later.

Industries Where Crystalline Silica Exposure May Occur

Crystalline silica is present in a wide range of industrial materials according to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) making exposure a risk in many workplaces. The industries with the highest levels of silica dust include:

• Construction: cutting concrete, drilling masonry, sanding plaster, and working with bricks or tiles all release silica dust.
• Quarrying: crushing stone and handling aggregates exposes workers to high levels of airborne silica.
• Mining: underground and surface mining often involves silica‑rich rock.
• Stone masonry: shaping, polishing, and cutting natural stone produces fine dust.
• Foundries: silica sand is used in moulds, creating dust during casting and cleaning.
• Ceramics and pottery: clay, glazes, and kiln work all involve silica.
• Glass manufacturing: silica is a core ingredient in glass.
• Industrial cleaning: abrasive blasting and surface preparation can release silica dust.

If you worked in any of these environments and later developed lung problems, your illness may be linked to silica exposure.

When Is an Employer Negligent?

Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and COSHH Regulations to protect workers from harmful substances, including crystalline silica. Employer negligence may have occurred if:

• You were not provided with adequate respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
• Dust extraction systems or ventilation were missing or poorly maintained.
• You were not trained on silica risks or safe working practices.
• Work areas were not monitored for dust levels.
• Wet‑cutting methods or other dust‑suppression techniques were not used.
• Your employer encouraged you to work in dusty conditions without breaks or protective equipment.

First 5 Easy Steps to Making a Silica‑Related Personal Injury Claim

If you believe crystalline silica exposure at work has harmed your health, here are the next steps to take to claim compensation to get your life back on track:

1. Seek medical assessment

A GP or specialist can diagnose conditions such as silicosis, COPD, or lung cancer. Medical evidence is essential for proving your illness and linking it to workplace exposure.

2. Gather evidence of exposure

This may include:

• Employment records
• Job descriptions
• Safety training documents
• Witness statements
• Photographs of dusty work conditions
• Records of PPE provided (or not provided)

If you no longer work in the same industry, historical evidence is still valuable. Your personal injury solicitor can also track down the insurers from your previous employer.

3. Document your symptoms and their impact

Keep a record of:

• Breathing difficulties
• Fatigue
• Reduced mobility
• Time off work
• Financial losses
• Impact on daily life

A symptom diary shows just how much the illness has impacted your daily life which can help to considerably strengthen your claim.

4. Contact a specialist solicitor

We work with solicitors who are experienced in industrial disease claims can assess your case with an initial, free consultation with no obligation. They will also guide you through the compensation process, including helping to gather relevant evidence and arrange a apecialist medical assessment.

5. Start your claim within the legal time limit

In England and Wales, you generally have three years from the date you first became aware of your illness. Because silica‑related diseases often develop slowly, this “date of knowledge” rule usually applies.

What Does Compensation Cover?

The amount of compensation that  you will be awarded in your crystalline silica compensation case will be unique to your specific circumstances. The calculation focuses on two categories: general damages and special damages.

1. General Damages

The pain and suffering your injuries cause plays a major role in deciding the compensation you’re awarded.

2. Special Damages

However, compensation also takes into account any financial losses that you might have suffered as a result of your illness, such as a loss of earnings due to being unable to return to work.

If a loved one has died due to silica‑related illness, family members may also be able to claim.

FAQs About Crystalline Silica Compensation Claims

What illnesses are caused by crystalline silica?

Silicosis, COPD, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and increased risk of tuberculosis and kidney disease.

Can I claim if I worked with silica years ago?

Yes. Many silica‑related illnesses develop over a prolonged period of time. You can usually claim within three years of diagnosis or when you first realised your condition was linked to workplace exposure.

Do I need proof of employer negligence?

Your solicitor will help gather evidence, but showing failures in PPE, training, dust control, or monitoring strengthens your case.

Can family members claim on behalf of a loved one?

Yes. Dependants may claim if a loved one has died or is too ill to pursue the claim themselves.

Contact Our Team: Free Consultation

Contact Our Team

We work with highly experienced lawyers in this field who offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ option and we will give you the support and understanding you need at this difficult time.

📞 Call us today at 0333 358 3034 or visit our Contact Us Page for a free, initial consultation.

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

This guide is general in nature and not a substitute for personalised legal or medical advice.