A FACTORY boss was ordered to improve safety at his firm after it emerged staff could be at risk of developing a potentially deadly lung disease.

Sam Pascoulis, who manages Samson Marble at Concorde House, Comet Way, Southend, said the business has now fully complied with improvement orders.

Officials from the Health and Safety Executive demanded action to limit risks to staff who cut marble being exposed to dust containing a substance that can cause silicosis, a condition which can lead to lung cancer, tuberculosis, kidney disease, heart attacks and other lung problems.

It is caused by inhaling respirable crystaline silica, which is found in most rocks, stone and clay and is released in dust clouds when they are cut with machinery.

The executive found the firm had not limited the risk of exposure to the dust as far as is “reasonably practicable” or carried out a sufficient assessment of the exposure levels and potential health risks.

Inspectors also said no information was available to employees about the risks of the dust – and no health check arrangements were in place for employees exposed to a risk of silicosis.

The firm was given until tomorrow to improve standards, but Mr Pascoulis said he got the all clear on Tuesday.

He said: “They came here and were over the moon with the changes we have made.

“We were using what we felt were suitable industry standard and approvedmasks, but we have upgraded to a powered respiratory system with a fan, which was quite expensive.

“We have about six staff in this area and have had no cases of the disease.”

Mr Pascoulis, who has been in the industry for about 30 years, said health and safety standards had been tightened a lot over the past decade.

He said: “Generally that is a good thing, but sometimes the inspectors seem to want everyone to be in some sort of cocoon.

“If they went down Oxford Street, where everyone breathes in pollution, they would probably want people to wear a mask.”

In all, the firm had four breaches of the control of hazardous substances regulations and one of the health and safety at work act.

According to the executive, the case is ongoing and even when improvements are complied with, there would still be further investigation, which can lead to a criminal prosecution.

A spokesman said: “We cannot comment further. There is a legal restriction on disclosure of information during ongoing investigations.”