asbestos exposure at work claims

Asbestos Exposure At Work Claims: Compensation For Asbestosis, Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma

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.

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

Your compensation will include a sum for your pain and suffering coupled with additional compensation for your financial loss and expense.

Asbestos Related Disease Claims Are Complex

Asbestos related disease claims tend to be highly complex.

Not only can your asbestos exposure occur many years before any symptoms first appear, but also former employers may no longer be in business.

In addition – time limits to make an asbestos claim against a former employer apply.

Therefore – we recommend you immediately contact a specialist asbestos claims solicitor as soon as you suspect you have injury from asbestos exposure at work.

Is it only workers that can claim compensation?

Not necessarily!! Although, illness of employees and contractors exposed to asbestos at work are the most common types of asbestos claims. You may still be entitled to claim for an asbestos condition caused from exposure outside of the workplace. For example – residents leaving nearby a factory who are exposed to asbestos fibres.

Family And Partners Handling Clothing Of Workers

A spouse, partner or family member may handle the clothing of workers exposed to asbestos fibres (e.g. washing clothes, etc.) and therefore inhale or ingest asbestos fibres.

If you experience such asbestos exposure and thereafter develop an asbestos related lung disease – it may be possible to make a compensation in your own right.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a natural mineral mined from the earth having both fire resistant and insulating properties. It was used widely in the UK housing and building construction (prior to the early 1970’s).

Asbestos was generally used as an ingredient in:

  1. Dry wall plaster.
  2. Roofing insulation.
  3. Insulation around boilers.
  4. Steam pipe insulation.
  5. Vehicle brake pads.
  6. 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. It was generally used in the construction and building industries. For example – in homes, roofs and in commercial premises.

White asbestos is made up of curly fibres (compare with straight fibres in blue asbestos). It can cause both asbestosis and lung cancer.

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. This type of asbestos can cause lung conditions, such as asbestosis.

asbestos compensation claims uk
Types Of Asbestos

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. These regulations set out both:

  1. The asbestos surveys that should be completed.
  2. How asbestos is to be removed from buildings to ensure the safety of occupants and workers.

What types of conditions can asbestos exposure cause?

Asbestos exposure at work can result in several conditions, such as: asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer and diffuse pleural thickening. All of which you can claim compensation for so longer as you can show employer negligence.

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

The dangers of asbestos exposure were previously unknown. Therefore, asbestos was once actively mined exposing mine workers to a great deal of asbestos dust inhalation. Unfortunately, it was all too common that serious conditions developed. Albeit symptoms may not have become apparent until many years later.

Thankfully, in modern times asbestos is no longer actively mined in the UK. However – other mining and extraction processes for all manner of valuable minerals can still lead to asbestos exposure. For example – mining for coal, iron, magnesium, etc. Many layers of rock of different kinds must be penetrated to reach the valuable minerals. Unfortunately, this can still include a layer of asbestos, resulting in mine workers exposure to asbestos dust.

Asbestos in buildings

Prior to 1970 – asbestos was widely used in the building and construction industry. Therefore, old buildings still have asbestos locked away.

Undisturbed asbestos can be relatively safe. However, demolition and refurbishment can release the asbestos fibres again into the air.

Employers must therefore:

  1. Take heed of worker’s safety.
  2. Have a proper asbestos survey.
  3. 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. Therefore – your employer (and the factory premises owner) must ensure that all workers and visitors are properly protected from asbestos dust exposure.

Typical types of job that involve asbestos exposure?

The most common types of job that may involve asbestos exposure include:

  1. Construction workers. When both replacing and refurbishing old properties exposure to asbestos is common place. For example – older factories, refineries and schools often contain asbestos materials.
  2. Demolition workers. All manner of hazardous fibres are released when buildings are demolished, hence why correct PPE is essential.
  3. Builders. Old houses often contained asbestos insulations and cement.
  4. Factory workers, may have not only have manufactured asbestos products, but also experience asbestos exposure within the fabric of the factory building itself.
  5. Miners. Not only was there asbestos mining in the past, but also other types of mine may have used asbestos products.
  6. Pipe fitters. Many years ago asbestos was commonly used in some types of pipes. For example, pipe wrap insulation and asbestos cement pipes.
  7. Electricians. Due to both heat and fire resistance, asbestos was used in the past within electrical wiring and electric products, such as electric panels.
  8. Boilermakers. Boilers were often made containing a layer of asbestos around components producing or exposed to heat. The boiler stove itself often rested on slabs of asbestos cement.
  9. Carpenters. Work on older properties may involve cutting, sanding and drilling materials that contain asbestos.
  10. Plumbers.  Older buildings may have asbestos containing plumbing, such as pipes, pipe insulation and asbestos containing cement.

SUMMARY Of Asbestos Exposure At Work Claims

In summary. You have learnt the most common types of asbestos you can be exposed to at work. In addition, we have set out the jobs that are likely to lead to asbestos exposure. Not forgetting – making a claim for family and partners exposed to second hand asbestos dust

We recommend you take advantage of our free legal help and assistance. You can not only call direct to a solicitor to have your claim assessed, but also ask a question in person or online.

You may recently have received an asbestos related illness diagnosis or suspect you are suffering symptoms from asbestos exposure.

Either way – we recommend you speak to a solicitor immediately to discuss if you have an asbestos related claim.

Don’t forget – this will include family members of a loved one who is seriously ill or passed away.

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