Calls grow for national silicosis response

Ben Harrison and Daniel Lewis are in their 30s and cannot play with their children for more than 10 minutes.

Both began their stonemasonry careers in Queensland when they left school, each spending a decade in the trade.

Neither had heard of silicosis until they were diagnosed with the lung disease, and had their lives ripped from under their feet.

For two men who have never met each other, their stories are eerily similar and they are not alone.

The lung disease can be caused by inhaling certain dust particles, usually from cutting manufactured stone benchtops.

Ben Harrison currently has no support or compensation since he was forced out of work in April 2019.

Read more on this story at: https://www.newcastlestar.com.au/story/6616641/calls-grow-for-national-silicosis-response/