Marek Marzec, a 48-year-old father of three, tragically passed away after developing silicosis, a terminal lung disease caused by years of exposure to crystalline silica dust from cutting engineered stone worktops. Marzec’s death highlights the severe dangers of working in unsafe conditions and raises urgent questions about industry practices and safety regulations.
A Life Cut Short by Hazardous Dust
Marzec, originally from Poland, began working in the UK as a stoneworker in 2012. Over a decade, he cut quartz worktops in what he described as “appalling conditions,” inhaling harmful silica dust that ultimately caused irreversible damage to his lungs. Silicosis, the disease he developed, is characterized by scarring and inflammation of lung tissue, leading to respiratory failure.
“My life has been cut short simply for doing my job,” Marzec stated from his hospital bed in October, expressing his frustration and anger at the conditions he endured.
The Danger of Engineered Stone
Quartz worktops, a popular choice for kitchens, are made from 90% ground quartz and 10% resins and pigments. During manufacturing and cutting, fine particles of silica dust are released, posing significant health risks to workers if proper safety measures are not in place. These particles, when inhaled, settle in the lungs, causing scarring, reduced lung function, and potentially fatal complications.
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal called for the banning of quartz worktops, citing growing cases of silicosis linked to their production and installation.
A Fight for Justice
Before his condition worsened, Marzec had initiated legal action against his former employers, alleging unsafe working conditions and a failure to protect workers from harmful exposure. Represented by the law firm Leigh Day, his case aimed to hold employers accountable and push for stricter safety standards in the industry.
“Marek was incredibly brave, not only in his fight against his illness but also in speaking out to prevent others from suffering the same fate,” said his solicitor, Ewan Tant. “No one should lose their life simply by going to work.”
A Preventable Tragedy
Marzec’s death has reignited calls for urgent reform in the engineered stone industry. Experts argue that simple safety measures, such as proper ventilation, wearing protective equipment, and using water to suppress dust during cutting, could prevent silicosis cases. However, many employers fail to implement these precautions, leaving workers vulnerable.
“It is time for urgent action to stop these dangerous working conditions before other stone workers contract this terrible disease and die,” Marzec had urged shortly before his death.
The Rise of Silicosis Cases
Marzec’s case is not an isolated incident. Doctors treating patients with silicosis have reported an increase in cases linked to engineered stone worktops. In the UK alone, 11 cases were reported last year, including one death. The disease often progresses rapidly, leaving lung transplants as the only viable treatment option, but even this is not always possible due to the severity of the condition.
A Call for Industry Change
Marzec’s death serves as a wake-up call for regulators and the engineered stone industry. Advocates are demanding stricter enforcement of safety protocols and increased awareness about the risks of silica dust exposure. “Without immediate changes, more lives will be lost,” Tant warned.
A Family’s Grief
Marzec is survived by his three daughters, who now face life without their father. His sister, Monika Woźniak, described her brother as a loving family man who fought bravely against his illness. “Marek wanted to ensure his daughters were financially secure, but instead, he was left unable to breathe and in terrible pain,” she said. “We hope his story will inspire change and save others from similar suffering.”
The Legacy of Marek Marzec
Marzec’s tragic death underscores the importance of workplace safety and the devastating consequences of negligence. His bravery in speaking out about the dangers of engineered stone has sparked critical discussions about the need for reform. His family, legal team, and advocates hope his story will lead to lasting changes, protecting future workers from preventable harm.
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