17 August 2016
We spend the majority of our lives working to provide financial support for ourselves and our families. However, unbeknown to the worker, their working conditions could be causing serious damage to their health. No one expects to go to work to contract a disease that could cause serious disability and in some cases death.
The most common of work related diseases is asbestos related diseases. According to the British Lung Foundation, asbestos related diseases are the single greatest cause of work related deaths in the UK with an average of 20 workers a week dying from asbestos exposure. The disease can take up to 50 years to develop and once diagnosed, it is often too late to do anything. This risk is not limited to the worker but can also be passed on to their families through second hand exposure.
Asbestos is a material which was used regularly up until the late 1990’s for insulation and fire proofing. Despite recognition of its potential dangers, it was not until 1999 that the Government decided to ban the use and import of asbestos. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 prohibits the use, supply and importation of all asbestos. These Regulations were updated by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Despite its prohibition, asbestos is still present in many buildings built before 2000.
When asbestos is disturbed the fibres become airborne and harmful; if inhaled the fibres can attack the pleura or chest lining. Asbestos exposure can lead to serious diseases including asbestos related lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening and mesothelioma.
Asbestos related diseases can have a devastating effect not only on the individual but also the families. Whilst no money can be placed on a life, the compensation awarded can provide financial peace of mind for the individual and the families care.
Please contact our specialist Industrial Disease Team to help you get the compensation you deserve.
