Illinois Foundry Workers, MSA Settle Silicosis Complaint

CHICAGO - A case filed by several former Illinois foundry workers against Mine Safety Appliances after the company's respirators allegedly failed to protect the plaintiffs from inhaling silicosis and cancer-causing silica dust has settled. Banks, et al. v. Mine Safety Appliances Co., No. 00L-011038 (Ill. Cir. Ct., Cook Cty.).

The settlement, which was finalized last month, is confidential. The consolidated case was filed in 2000 in Cook County Circuit Court by six former Burnside Steel Foundry employees, who claim they are now suffering from silicosis or lung cancer as a result of their exposure to silica. One of the plaintiffs …