Coal worker's Pneumoconiosis and Silicosis

Currently occurring cases and deaths from pneumoconiosis are mainly a result of past exposures to coal dust (coal workers' pneumoconiosis) and silica (silicosis).

The latest information shows:

• There were 275 new cases of coal worker's pneumoconiosis assessed for Industrial Injuries and Disablement Benefit in 2011 compared to 345 in 2010.
• There were 50 new cases of silicosis assessed for Industrial Injuries and Disablement Benefit in 2011 compared to 60 in 2010
• These figures are likely to be underestimates of the annual number of new cases.
• Deaths from coal worker’s pneumoconiosis have reduced over the last 10 years with 121 in 2010 compared to 131 in 2009.
• There were 13 deaths due to silicosis in 2010 compared to 18 in 2009.
• Pneumoconiosis usually takes many years to develop so most current cases of pneumoconiosis occur in retired workers and reflect industrial conditions of the past, particular in the coal mining industry.

Pneumoconiosis (other than asbestosis) in Great Britain, 1999-2011