Asbestos is a Killer

Posted on June 4, 2015

Exposure to a single asbestos fibre can have long-term serious health implications and all too frequently exposure is work-related and can often be fatal, warned North West Solicitor, Mike Talbot.

He was commenting after a recent case in which a Cheshire firm has been prosecuted after workers were potentially exposed to asbestos

“Exposure to a single asbestos fibre can have potentially deadly consequences later in life. Asbestos –related disease is known to be responsible for more occupational related deaths than any other single cause,” said Mr Talbot

“In the UK 1,000 people die each year from the asbestos–related illness mesothelioma and a further 1,000 die each year from asbestos related lung cancer and these figures are projected to rise to a combined figure of 3000 asbestos related deaths a year.

“We act for people who have contracted asbestos related illnesses, as well as the families of those who have died as a result of asbestos exposure,” he added.

The recent case involves North West laboratory design and installation specialist, Labform Ltd, of Lymm, who have been fined £22,400 and ordered to pay £11,741 after pleading guilty to four breaches of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The firm exposed workers, pupils and teachers to asbestos material at a school in Suffolk.

The incident in July 2012 occurred during refurbishment work at the school when sub-contractors disturbed asbestos as they were removing a wall and channelling the floor.

The Cheshire firm was prosecuted at Ipswich Magistrates Court in May this year after it was found that the company had not arranged for a detailed Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey to be undertaken, as was required.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector David King said:

“Exposure to asbestos fibres is a serious and well known health risk, failing to take action to identify asbestos while planning work, and to ensure that any contractors who may disturb asbestos are aware of the location and type of asbestos present, and not taking appropriate measures to protect the health of others, is totally inexcusable.”

If you or someone you know has developed an asbestos related illness, call 0161 785 3500 or email enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk for advice.

Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.

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