Necchi, foundry workers

Silicosis was recognised as a compensable occupational disease in Italy in 1943, after decades of union and medical battles.

In 1960s Italy more than 4,000 workplace deaths were recorded each year (the 'morti bianche' — white deaths), with foundries among the highest-risk sectors.

Me, I do my job well… if a thing doesn't come right, I do it over.

The 'white deaths' — without visible blood, caused by dust, silica, asbestos — are the most invisible and most Italian form of the cost of labour.