In November 2024, Marek Marzec died following a lung disease diagnosis after years of cutting kitchen worktops.
Originally from Poland, the dad-of-three had been working as a stoneworker in north London and Hertfordshire since 2012.
Having been diagnosed with silicosis, an incurable, progressive lung disease caused by inhaling toxic silica dust, a criminal investigation has now been launched over whether his death was homicide related.
Speaking from hospital, the 48-year-old had said he was in ‘terrible pain’ and ‘unable to breathe’ because of the work he did cutting quartz worktops.
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“I cannot tell you how angry I am that I was allowed to work in these conditions and that my life has been cut short simply for doing my job,” Marzec said. Since 2023, there have been more than 50 cases of silicosis and four deaths among UK tradesmen.
A lung transplant is often the only way to treat the disease but Marzec was unfortunately too unwell to undergo the operation and was placed on end-of-life care.
His family had praised him for raising awareness before his death as they were ‘proud of the legacy he has left by speaking up for the victims of silicosis’.
Inquest proceedings into his death resumed at Poplar Coroner’s Court on Monday (16 February) as a pre-inquest review hearing was held.
Metropolitan Police Detective Sergeant Steve Jeffrey confirmed the force currently has primacy over the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the investigation.
This can be explained in that the police will take lead of an investigation in any circumstance where there is a suspicion that a negligent homicide may have been the cause of a death.
Therefore, there is the possibility of there being the first criminal convictions in relation to kitchen workers contracting silicosis due to unsafe working conditions.
John-Paul Swoboda KC, representing Marzec’s family said his relatives want to see a ‘thorough’ investigation into the man’s death.
He told Senior Coroner Mary Hassell: “I think there is a desire to ensure that what happened to Mr Marzec does not happen to anybody else.”
Statements had been submitted from two former employees of a company the stoneworker had worked at, his GP and respiratory physician as well as one prepared by Marzec before his death.
Alongside the Met Police’s investigation, the HSE probe will determine if ‘there are any health and safety breaches at any of the companies Mr Marzec worked for; and if the workplace safety watchdog should consider any ‘prosecution under health and safety legislation’ as a result.
A further inquest review hearing has been set for 22 July.
LADbible has contacted the Metropolitan Police for comment.
Jess Battison