A joiner worked for a hospital with symptoms for a year before he was diagnosed with occupational asthma.
Dust extraction on woodworking machinery didn’t work. The employer had provided controls, but not maintained them.
This led to loss of earnings, loss of lifestyle and a permanent debilitating illness.
To get his employer to take his health problems seriously, the joiner had to involve his trade union safety representative.
HSE's investigations led to upgrading of the dust extraction equipment, which may have prevented others from being affected.
While it was wood dust that caused his occupational asthma, his lungs were damaged and other 'triggers' now cause an attack - such as exercise and cold air. His lifestyle has completely changed.
He used to enjoy playing football and playing with his children. He now finds that running and lifting his daughter bring on wheezing. Everyday activities are increasingly difficult.