BWI marks World Day for Decent Work with documentary exposing dangers of silicosis in stone industry
To mark World Day for Decent Work, the Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) launched, on 7 October, a documentary titled "Below the Surface: Silent Death in the Stone Industry." This was produced in collaboration with the Netherlands Trade Union Confederation (FNV) and with the support of the Union of Workers in the Industries of Extraction, Processing and Trade of Marble, Granite, and Limestone of the State of Espírito Santo (SINDIMÁRMORE).
The documentary sheds light on the grave reality faced by workers in the stone industry, particularly in Espírito Santo, Brazil. The production features accounts from former operators, doctors, and union members, exposing the dangers of silicosis—a chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of silica dust—and highlighting the negligence of companies concerning employee health.
Silicosis, often referred to as a "silent disease," manifests with symptoms such as excessive tiredness, difficulty breathing, and persistent coughing. Silica dust, found in abundance in quarries, causes lung inflammation and significantly increases the risk of other serious conditions, including tuberculosis, lung cancer, and autoimmune diseases.
Workers' testimonies reveal a landscape of suffering and despair. Many report discovering the disease only when irreversible damage has already occurred. A lack of information and corporate negligence are cited as the main culprits for this tragedy.
The documentary also exposes the lack of oversight and violations of safety standards by companies. Medical examinations are falsified, personal protective equipment is not provided, and workers are subjected to unsafe working conditions.
In 2022, the International Labour Organization (ILO) recognised "a safe and healthy work environment" as a fundamental right at work through Conventions 187 and 155. However, this right is not being upheld for workers involved in quarry ore extraction. Data from the State Health Department (Sesa) of Espírito Santo indicate that, from 2012 to 2019, the marble and granite sector accounted for the most lethal economic activity in the state, with the highest number of notifications of deaths due to accidents and work-related diseases.
The director of SINDIMÁRMORE-ES, Fernando Silva Vieira, warned: "Many granites that are exported have the blood of the worker on them." He emphasised that it is time for this important sector to stop being associated with a tragic history of worker deaths and disabilities, which continues year after year. To achieve this, it is crucial to improve preventive measures in relation to the work environment, safety management, inspections, diagnosis, reporting, social security rights, and compensation for workers affected by the disease.
The documentary is an urgent call for society to mobilise in defence of workers' rights and demand effective measures to combat silicosis and other occupational diseases, thus ensuring decent work.
Beyond preventing deaths and accidents at work, the fight aims to guarantee workers' health—defined as a state of physical, social, and mental well-being. Unionised workplaces are safer and healthier!
Watch it here.