10.12.2014
Mesothelioma is a terminal cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to harmful asbestos dust decades ago. It is most common among tradespeople including carpenters, plumbers and other construction workers, but is also becoming more prevalent in others because of its presence in old public buildings and schools.
The latest HSE figures indicate the number of mesothelioma deaths is increasing, as the impact of asbestos exposure is beginning to affect individuals exposed to the deadly substance decades ago. The organisation has indicated that around 20 tradesmen die each week from asbestos-related conditions and that there is a lack of awareness in the industry.
It found under a third of tradespeople are able to identify all the correct measures for safe asbestos working, while 57 per cent made at least one potentially lethal mistake in trying to identify how to stay safe.
If asbestos fibres are released and inhaled they can cause serious and fatal diseases, such as mesothelioma, and the HSE has launched a new campaign that aims to inform tradespeople of the dangers of asbestos, where it can be found and how to deal with it correctly.
The office is also helping local charities, such as the Papworth Mesothelioma Support Group. It recently donated £250 to the support group to help the group continue their work supporting sufferers of the disease and their families.
The donation follows a gift of artwork to the office by Jackie Elsom, whose husband Richard has mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
Rosemary Giles, a Partner and Head of the Asbestos-Related Disease team at Irwin Mitchell in Cambridge, hosted the cheque presentation along with Peter Robinson, Chair of the support group, Mesothelioma Clinical Nurse Specialist Gerry Slade, as well as Jackie and Richard Elsom.
Irwin Mitchell Cambridge Supports Papworth Mesothelioma Support Group And HSE Asbestos Awareness Campaign
Lawyers in the asbestos-related disease team at Irwin Mitchell’s Cambridge office have backed a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) campaign aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos among tradespeople.Mesothelioma is a terminal cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to harmful asbestos dust decades ago. It is most common among tradespeople including carpenters, plumbers and other construction workers, but is also becoming more prevalent in others because of its presence in old public buildings and schools.
The latest HSE figures indicate the number of mesothelioma deaths is increasing, as the impact of asbestos exposure is beginning to affect individuals exposed to the deadly substance decades ago. The organisation has indicated that around 20 tradesmen die each week from asbestos-related conditions and that there is a lack of awareness in the industry.
It found under a third of tradespeople are able to identify all the correct measures for safe asbestos working, while 57 per cent made at least one potentially lethal mistake in trying to identify how to stay safe.
If asbestos fibres are released and inhaled they can cause serious and fatal diseases, such as mesothelioma, and the HSE has launched a new campaign that aims to inform tradespeople of the dangers of asbestos, where it can be found and how to deal with it correctly.
The office is also helping local charities, such as the Papworth Mesothelioma Support Group. It recently donated £250 to the support group to help the group continue their work supporting sufferers of the disease and their families.
The donation follows a gift of artwork to the office by Jackie Elsom, whose husband Richard has mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
Rosemary Giles, a Partner and Head of the Asbestos-Related Disease team at Irwin Mitchell in Cambridge, hosted the cheque presentation along with Peter Robinson, Chair of the support group, Mesothelioma Clinical Nurse Specialist Gerry Slade, as well as Jackie and Richard Elsom.
Expert Opinion
Exposure to asbestos has a devastating impact on individuals decades after they initially came into contact with the substance, with tradespeople at particular risk. The HSE’s campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of the material, where it can be found and how to deal with it safely is vital.
“We hope that it will reduce the number of people being exposed to the hazardous substance and ensure employers take action to protect their employees, so cases like Richard’s are avoided in the future. We see on a daily basis the devastation that mesothelioma can cause those that are affected and we work with the victims and their families to help in their battles for justice.” Rosemary Giles - Partner
Jackie’s painting shows the view looking across the roof tops towards Kings College and is now proudly displayed in the waiting area of the law firm’s Cambridge office.
Rosemary added:
Expert Opinion
We’re very pleased to be building a strong relationship with the Papworth group and hope to continue supporting their fundraising efforts whenever possible. Jackie’s painting is a very welcome addition to our new Cambridge home and really helps brighten up our new office space.” Rosemary Giles - Partner
Jackie has now launched a new fundraising campaign – Meso 100 – which aims to raise money for those suffering with the impact of mesothelioma. She hopes that families coming together over Christmas will go for a walk and take 100 steps for mesothelioma and donate £1 to Mesothelioma UK.
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