Lawyers Investigating Exposure To Asbestos Dust Seeking Answers And Information

The daughter of a cargo loader who worked at the docks in Hull is appealing for his former colleagues to come forward and help provide information on the working conditions he endured after he died of an asbestos-related disease.

John Raymond Carter died on 22 November 2011 as a result of the asbestos-related condition asbestosis.  He was 92 years of age and previously lived in Coxhoe, County Durham. Prior to moving to Coxhoe, he lived in Anson Road, Bilton Grange, Hull.  

His devastated daughter Jacqueline Hall has now asked asbestos-related disease specialists at law firm Irwin Mitchell to help investigate the conditions at his former workplaces to shed light on how and where he was exposed to the deadly fibres.

Isobel Lovett, an industrial disease expert at Irwin Mitchell representing the family, said: “It is believed that Mr Carter was exposed to asbestos while working at a number of companies operating at the docks in Hull loading and unloading cargo from boats.

“Because of the time it takes to develop, it can be difficult to pin point exactly when and where the exposure to asbestos took place. We are hoping his former colleagues may be able to help provide information on the working conditions so that we can help his daughter in her battle for justice.”

Asbestosis is a condition affecting the lungs and can take up to 40 years to develop after the initial exposure to asbestos.

Isobel added: “Through no fault of their own, many people who were exposed to asbestos throughout the course of their employment have become ill as a result of nothing more than going to work and carrying out their duties. Many were never warned about the dangers of asbestos, nor were they given the appropriate protective equipment.”

It is understood that Mr Carter worked for many years at Gillyott & Scott starting around 1948. Here he worked on the lighters (smaller and lighter cargo boats) loading and unloading cargo at the docks in Hull, including the King George Dock, the Albert Dock and the Victoria Docks.

Over the course of his career he then moved to Joseph Rank & Son Limited before joining the National Dock Labour Board where he worked until 1981.  Mr Carter’s role involved unloading cargo from large ships and putting it into containers. 

Jacqueline Hall, Mr Carter’s daughter, said: “We were devastated when my dad died. Asbestos related illnesses attack the lungs so he was very breathless and lacked energy all the time.

“It is heartbreaking to think that bosses knew about the dangers of asbestos but, in some cases, did very little to help protect their workers. We are looking for anyone who may have worked with my father or who knows about the working conditions at these firms to help us in our battle for justice.”
 
Anyone able to help can contact Isobel Lovett at Irwin Mitchell on 0191 279 0104 or email isobel.lovett@irwinmitchell.com.