Tragic Death of Quartz Worker Sparks Urgent Call for Change in Industry Safety Standards

Marek Marzec, a 48-year-old father-of-three, has tragically passed away after developing a severe lung disease linked to his years of work cutting quartz kitchen worktops. His struggle against this debilitating illness has drawn attention to the hazardous conditions faced by many workers in the engineered stone industry. Originally from Poland, Marek had dedicated a significant part of his career since 2012 to working for various engineered stone manufacturers in north London and Hertfordshire. His work involved cutting quartz worktops, a process that exposes workers to harmful silica dust, known to cause silicosis—a progressive and often fatal lung disease. Marek's diagnosis of silicosis came in April 2023, and despite seeking treatment under the care of leading experts, his health rapidly deteriorated. In his final months, Marek fought valiantly not only against his illness but also to raise awareness about the dangers inherent in his profession. He sought to prevent others from suffering the same fate by speaking out about the "appalling working conditions" that he and his colleagues endured. As he faced his own mortality, he began legal action against the companies he had worked for, hoping to shed light on the risks of occupational exposure to silica dust. Marek's death on November 30 at Whittington Hospital in London, where he succumbed to respiratory failure due to silicosis, has ignited a call for urgent changes in workplace safety regulations. His sister, Monika Woźniak, expressed her grief over her brother's passing, emphasizing the importance of his advocacy for future victims of silicosis. "Marek fought so bravely," she said, highlighting his commitment to raising awareness about the dangers of engineered stone. The law firm Leigh Day, which represents Marek’s family and other former stoneworkers diagnosed with silicosis, is advocating for stricter safety measures to protect workers from similar fates. Ewan Tant, Marek’s solicitor, has warned that without immediate intervention, more lives will be lost to this preventable disease. He underscored the need for the engineered stone industry and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to take decisive action to improve working conditions. Marek's poignant words echo the frustration and anger felt by many in the industry: "I arrived in the UK hoping to build a better life... I have been left unable to breathe and in terrible pain." He lamented that his life had been "cut short simply for doing my job," a sentiment that resonates deeply with those who work in similarly hazardous environments. His untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting worker safety and the urgent need for reforms in industries that expose employees to harmful substances. As his family mourns their loss, they take comfort in his legacy—one of courage, advocacy, and a beacon of hope for change to prevent further tragedies in the future.