Asbestos Exposure At Work Claims

Here we describe what asbestos is, the dangers from blue, brown and white asbestos exposure at work; the illnesses asbestos fibres can cause; what your employer should do to protect your health and safety; the most common types of job which can lead to an asbestos claim; who can claim compensation and how to speak with a specialist solicitor free of charge.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a natural mineral mined from the earth – it was discovered to have fire resistant and insulating properties and was used widely in the UK housing and building construction prior to the early 1970’s (often being used as an ingredient within dry wall plaster, roofing insulation, insulation around boilers and steam pipes). It was also used in brake pads in vehicles and chemical filters.

What are the different types of asbestos which pose a danger to health?

The three main types of asbestos exposure at work, which pose a danger to health include:

White asbestos

“White asbestos” or “chrysotile” is the most common form of asbestos and was used wildly in the construction and building industry – in homes, roofs and in commercial premises.

Blue asbestos

“Blue asbestos” or “crocidolite” is less abundant than white asbestos. It is believed more likely to cause mesothelioma than white asbestos.

Brown asbestos

“Brown asbestos” or “amosite” has straight fibres unlike white asbestos which is made up of curly fibres. This type of asbestos can cause lung conditions, such as asbestosis.

When did society become aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure?

In the 1970’s the dangers of asbestos became apparent in that the fibres if inhaled or swallowed could lead to serious conditions, such as mesothelioma (a rare fatal type of cancer which can come from one asbestos fibre), asbestosis (scarring of the lungs from exposure to asbestos dust over an extended time period), lung cancer and diffuse pleural thickening.

How do employers protect against asbestos exposure at work?

The various Health and Safety Control Of Asbestos regulations set out the duty of employers to ensure the safety of employees and visitors from exposure to asbestos. The regulations set out how asbestos surveys should be completed and how asbestos is to be removed from buildings to ensure the safety of occupants and workers.

What is a work-related asbestos exposure claim?

If you are exposed to asbestos at work, you suffer a recognised asbestos related disease, and someone is considered legally responsible for your exposure – you may be entitled to make an asbestos exposure at work compensation claim.

Watch out – asbestos related disease claims are highly complex. Former employers may no longer be in business and asbestos exposure may have occurred many years before symptoms first appear. Time limits to make an asbestos claim may also apply. We therefore recommend if you suspect you have injury from asbestos exposure at work – you immediately speak to a specialist asbestos claims solicitor.

What types of industrial disease are likely to be caused from asbestos exposure at work?

There are several types of asbestos related diseases that may be caused by asbestos exposure at work for which you can claim compensation, which include: asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer and diffuse pleural thickening.

What are the most common types of workplace where asbestos exposure occurs?

Very common workplaces where asbestos exposure can take place include:

Miners’ asbestos exposure

Before the dangers of illness from asbestos was known – it was actively mined, exposing miners to dust inhalation and a great risk in developing serious conditions, which take many years to show any symptoms.

Although asbestos is no longer actively mined in the UK – other mining and extraction processes for all manner of valuable minerals, such as coal, iron, magnesium, etc. require mine workers to be exposed to the dust from many layers of rock which must be drilled to reach the valuable minerals. This will quite often include asbestos.

Asbestos in buildings

Pre 1970 asbestos was widely used in the building and construction industry. Old buildings still have asbestos locked away. Danger comes when such buildings are demolished or renovated releasing asbestos dust which was previously locked away.

Employers must take heed of worker’s safety, have a proper asbestos survey and ensure that workers are warned and safe at all times from exposure to harmful asbestos dust.

Asbestos in factories

Many factories and work environments still contain asbestos – all workers and visitors to factories should be properly protected by the employer and owner of the premises from asbestos dust exposure.

What are the typical types of job that could involve asbestos exposure?

The most common types of job that may involve asbestos exposure include – construction workers, demolition workers, builders, plumbers, factory workers, miners, pipe fitters, electricians, boilermakers, carpenters and plumbers.

Watch out -spouses and family members may handle the clothing of workers exposed to asbestos fibres (washing clothes, etc.) and so themselves inhale or ingest asbestos fibres. Should a family member develop an asbestos related lung disease – it may be possible to make a compensation claim in their own right.

Summary Of Asbestos Exposure At Work Claims

In this article we have set out the most common types of asbestos and the risks workers have from exposure to asbestos fibres.

Online And Telephone Free Help

If you suspect you have been exposed to asbestos at work and are suffering symptoms or been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease we recommend you speak to a solicitor immediately to discuss what options are available to you to claim.

This will include family members of a loved one who is seriously ill or passed away.

Use our solicitor free help services – to ask a question or have your claim assessed.