‘Our husbands were killed by silica dust inhaled at work’

His wife, Carol, said watching the “terrible illness take Stuart away from us over several years” was “terrible”.

Both men instructed lawyers before they died to establish how they came into contact with the silica dust that caused their illness, Irwin Mitchell said.

The Health and Safety Executive has described silica dust found in stone as the “single biggest risk to construction workers” after the notoriously toxic asbestos.

The families of Mr Gray and Mr Johnson have called on employers to do more to protect workers, as both men had told their solicitors that they had not been warned about the dangers they faced or given protective equipment.

Those most at risk of developing silicosis have inhaled large amounts of silica dust over a period of years.

Irwin Mitchell said the large number of stonemasons, quarries and stoneyards in Leeds and Bradford had led to more victims of the disease coming forward to seek legal advice.

Oliver Collett, specialist in occupational disease for the firm, said: “Silica is often termed the new asbestos and its threat should never be underestimated.

“Symptoms include a persistent cough, shortness of breath and fatigue and can be fatal.”

Paul Gray’s widow Joanne added: “Silicosis is the most terrible disease. Nobody deserves to go through what Paul did as a result of their job. Hopefully by telling his story we can add our voice to those calling for greater awareness of this disease and safety at work.

“If the register makes just one employer think more about safety, Paul’s death won’t have been totally in vain.”

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