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Tradies who were exposed to crystalline silica dust while working with engineered stone are at risk for a number of serious health problems. Henry Carus + Associates represent workers who have developed silicosis, an incurable and potentially deadly lung disease. Now, new research suggests that tradies may also have silica dust autoimmune disease claims.
Researchers at Monash University examined data for more than 1,200 Victorians who worked in the stone benchtop industry for (a) symptoms of autoimmune diseases and (b) blood markers indicating early signs of autoimmune disease. Approximately 1% of the screened workers had a diagnosable autoimmune disorder, while nearly one-quarter had detectable levels of antinuclear antibodies—a strong indicator of autoimmune dysfunction.
The lead researcher on the study told The Medical Republic that, ‘This data suggests that – as well as screening for silicosis in these workers, they should also be screened for autoimmune disease, as these individuals need specialised management and may be entitled to compensation.’
Henry Carus + Associates handle silica dust autoimmune disease claims on behalf of clients in Melbourne and all of Victoria. Find out if you are entitled to compensation by calling 03 9001 1318 today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation.
What Is an Autoimmune Disease?
An autoimmune disease is a condition where the body’s own immune system starts to attack itself. Some autoimmune disorders only affect a certain organ, while others can wreak havoc on multiple bodily systems.
People with autoimmune diseases often experience chronic pain and diminished physical function. This can make it difficult to work, perform day-to-day tasks, engage in favourite activities, and more.
What Autoimmune Diseases Are Associated with Silica Dust?
‘There is a well established association between silica inhalational exposure and autoimmune disease, particularly in the context of intense exposure.’
– Association between silicosis and autoimmune disease, Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Several different autoimmune diseases are associated with exposure to silica dust, especially amongst workers in industries that use engineered stone and other materials containing crystalline silica. Notable examples of conditions for which silica dust autoimmune disease claims may be brought include:
Lupus
Individuals who inhale silica particles are at a significant risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). More commonly known as just lupus, this autoimmune disorder can impact multiple areas of the body. This includes the skin and joints, as well as organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
The potential symptoms of SLE include:
- Joint pain
- Swelling and stiffness of the joints
- Rashes, including a distinctive butterfly-shaped rash on the face
- Extreme, persistent fatigue
- Frequent headaches
- Low-grade fever
- Unexplained hair loss
- Difficulty breathing
Lupus symptoms may subside for a time before coming back with a vengeance. This is known as a ‘flare up’. Lupus flare ups can be unpredictable, making the condition difficult to manage.
Scleroderma
People with scleroderma experience hardening of the skin and connective tissue due to excess collagen production. Scleroderma may be localised to a particular part of the body or affect multiple areas (systemic scleroderma).
Both forms of scleroderma can cause pain, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints and muscles. Systemic scleroderma can also adversely affect respiration and digestion, as well as heart and kidney function.
Another potential complication is Raynaud’s phenomenon, where sclerotic tissue restricts blood flow to the hands and feet. Raynaud’s phenomenon leads to noticeable changes in skin colour and sensation. In severe cases, the condition may lead to permanent tissue damage in the fingers and toes.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Like other types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis causes pain and swelling in the joints. The main difference is that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks connective tissues.
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterised by joint pain and swelling—usually on both sides of the body. You may find that inflamed joints are warm to the touch, and that joint stiffness is at its worst when you first wake up. Bouts of fatigue are also common with rheumatoid arthritis.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are not always limited to the joints. People with rheumatoid arthritis may also experience:
- Irritation of the eyes
- Vision problems
- Decreased production of saliva, which increases the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease
- Anaemia (low levels of red blood cells)
- Bone loss
- Scarring of the lungs
- Painful nodules under the skin
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
If you are experiencing chronic fatigue, joint pain, skin irritation, and other issues associated with autoimmune diseases, it is important to consult a physician as soon as possible. Workers who have suffered occupational exposure to crystalline silica dust should also seek legal counsel to determine whether they can lodge silica dust autoimmune disease claims.
Contact Henry Carus + Associates for FREE Today
Are You Entitled to Compensation for Silica Dust Autoimmune Diseases?
Scleroderma with silicosis is already recognised as a ‘proclaimed disease’ by WorkSafe Victoria. With proclaimed diseases, it is automatically assumed that the worker’s illness is the direct result of their employment. This expedites claims for compensation, as the worker does not have to prove a connection between their job and the disease.
Other silica dust autoimmune diseases—such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis—are not yet included on the Victorian Government’s list of proclaimed diseases. These conditions would likely require additional support to prove the illness is work-related.
Workers who have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease linked to crystalline silica exposure should explore their right to WorkCover benefits as soon as possible. Compensation that may be available from WorkCover for silica autoimmune diseases includes:
- Coverage of reasonable medical expenses for treatment and services
- Weekly payments to replace lost wages
- Provisional payments for mental injuries
- Re-training for a different job
- An impairment benefit for those with a permanent occupational illness
- Contributions to a superannuation fund (after 52 weeks of weekly payments)
You may also be entitled to common law damages if you developed silicosis, a silica autoimmune disease, etc. due to the negligence of your employer. The use of engineered stone is now banned in Australia. Victoria’s workers’ compensation legislation includes an important provision that allows workers with silica-related diseases to apply for additional common law damages if they develop a subsequent disease related to silica exposure.
Autoimmune diseases can take years or even decades to become apparent. With this in mind—and given the prevalence of early markers for autoimmune disease amongst those who work with engineered stone—the right to bring a subsequent common law damages claim may provide critical support for workers who develop multiple health problems over time as a result of silica dust exposure.
For example: Hypothetically, a worker who previously lodged a claim for silicosis could make another common law application if they are later diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder.
Expert Legal Counsel for Silica Dust Autoimmune Disease Claims
Despite Australia’s ban on engineered stone, the health effects of silica dust remain a major concern for workers across multiple industries. Henry Carus + Associates are prepared to help workers maximise benefits and additional compensation for silicosis, autoimmune diseases, and other serious conditions.
Now and in the years to come, we anticipate that many workers will have WorkCover entitlements for silica autoimmune diseases. Our lawyers provide knowledgeable and compassionate legal service in workers’ compensation matters. Call 03 9001 1318 to learn how we can help with your claim.
