HSE Notices Call For Changes

A lawyer who specialises in asbestos-related cases has called on Cwm Taf Health Board to improve its management of the deadly material in its buildings.

Reports have revealed that managers for the organisation have been urged to ensure adequate protective measures have been introduced to ensure staff members avoid the risk of exposure.

It is believed that the body has until March 1st to react to the notices issued by the Health and Safety Executive in relation to the issue.

Irwin Mitchell deals with a number of cases related to asbestos every year, often involving workers or members of the public who have been diagnosed with the fatal lung cancer mesothelioma following exposure to the material.

Kim Barrett, who works on such cases at the national law firm’s Birmingham office, said: “We regularly see the devastating consequences that exposure to asbestos can have, with many of our clients and their loved ones

“Many of our cases have emerged as employers failed to act on the issue of protecting workers in the past. It is vital that this does not continue to be a problem for years to come.

“I urge Cwm Taf to work quickly to bring themselves in line with the correct processes, as continued failures to do so could have a massive impact on the future of both workers and patients being treated at the board’s sites.

“Further to this, those who are given the responsibility of managing – and in some cases removing – the material from sites need to be given the correct training and supervision.”