News

Men’s Health Week: Protecting Men’s Health at Work.

15 - 21 June marks Men’s Health Week, an annual opportunity to highlight preventable health issues affecting men and to encourage early action when concerns arise. At Rundlewalker Solicitors, our Personal Injury & Accident Team is using this week to shine a light on the occupational health risks faced by men across Devon and the wider South West.

Many of the region’s largest employment sectors - including construction, agriculture, hospitality, manufacturing and skilled manual trades - are male‑dominated industries where workers are more likely to encounter both long‑term physical hazards and work‑related stress. These risks are often avoidable when employers meet their legal duties to provide a safe working environment.

Occupational diseases that disproportionately affect men.
While workplace accidents remain a significant concern, Men’s Health Week also draws attention to the hidden, long‑latency illnesses that can develop years after exposure.

• Asbestos‑related disease:
  Men working in skilled trades continue to experience higher rates of mesothelioma mortality, a cancer caused almost exclusively by past exposure to asbestos. Many cases arise from historic exposure in construction, shipbuilding, engineering and maintenance roles.
• Silicosis and engineered stone dust:
  Silicosis – a serious and sometimes fatal lung disease – can develop after inhaling respirable crystalline silica. Most recorded cases in the UK occur in men, particularly those working with engineered stone, concrete, ceramics, quarrying and fabrication.
• Agricultural and manual work hazards:
  Devon’s strong agricultural sector brings its own risks, including machinery injuries, chemical exposure, noise‑induced hearing loss and musculoskeletal disorders from repetitive manual handling.
• Hospitality and catering:
  Often overlooked, hospitality roles can involve prolonged exposure to hot environments, slips and trips, lifting injuries and stress‑related illness – all of which can have long‑term health consequences.

These conditions are preventable when employers follow the law, carry out proper risk assessments, provide adequate training and ensure workers have the right protective equipment.

Supporting men to speak up about health concerns.
Men’s Health Week also highlights the importance of early reporting, both of symptoms and unsafe working conditions. Men often delay seeking help, whether due to workplace culture, fear of job loss or simply not recognising the seriousness of their symptoms.

Roger Henderson, Director and Head of Personal Injury at Rundlewalker Solicitors, says:
“Men’s Health Week is a timely reminder that the majority of workplace injuries and illnesses are entirely preventable. Sadly, we continue to see cases where men have suffered life‑changing harm because risks were ignored or safety procedures were not followed. If you’re worried about your health or an unsafe working environment, seeking advice early can make all the difference.”

How our Personal Injury & Accident Team can help.
Rundlewalker’s specialist team supports clients across Exeter, Devon and the South West who have suffered:

• workplace accidents
• industrial disease, including asbestos‑related illness and silicosis
• manual handling injuries
• falls from height
• machinery and agricultural accidents
• stress‑related or psychological harm caused by unsafe working practices

We provide clear, practical advice and will guide you through the claims process with sensitivity and professionalism. Our aim is to secure the support, rehabilitation and compensation you need to move forward.

If you have concerns about your health or safety at work.
Whether you are employed in construction, agriculture, hospitality, manufacturing or any other high‑risk sector, our team is here to help. For immediate, compassionate advice contact our Personal Injury Team who are ready to help you. 01392 209209.

Roger Henderson - 01392 209218. Email: roger.henderson@rundlewalker.com

Professional Memberships.
In addition to his new role as President of Plymouth Advanced Motorists, Roger is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers.

"I had a really positive experience with Rundlewalker. Roger was extremely knowledgeable and empathetic to my case. He kept me updated at every stage of the process and ensured I knew exactly what the next steps were. He was friendly and approachable and only ever a phone call away. I really appreciated his high level of professionalism, which all helped in achieving a successful outcome. Highly recommended." M.P.

 "We can't thank you, Roger, enough for all of your hard work during the process of the claim. You have been brilliant and kept us informed throughout which we both really appreciate, you have explained every step in a way that we could understand with ease, having had no experience in such a claim before.” Mrs N.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.