Public Health England Investigating After Fifth Faltec Ltd Worker Contract Legionnaires’ Disease

Public Health England (PHE) is investigating a sixth suspected case of Legionnaires’ Disease thought to be linked to a South Tyneside factory.

In June this year the cooling towers at Faltec Europe Ltd in Boldon were closed after four workers and one local resident contracted the disease. PHE has now confirmed a fifth worker is receiving hospital treatment after contracting the bacterial illness.

Public Health experts at Irwin Mitchell, who have represented those caught up in the fatal Legionnaires’ Disease outbreaks in Edinburgh and Stoke-on-Trent in recent years have called for a thorough investigation to be undertaken to locate the source of the outbreak.

Expert Opinion

“It is very concerning that another case of Legionnaires’ Disease has been linked to this factory, a number of months after steps were taken to rectify the problem.

"Through our work, we have seen how such problems can have tragic and long-lasting consequences for those affected – so it is vital that the seriousness of these issues aren’t underestimated.

"Everyone affected by these issues and those still working at the factory will no doubt be keen to know everything possible is being done to identify the source and prevent any further cases developing.

“It is hugely important Public Health England, the Health and Safety Executive, local authority officials and Faltec Europe Ltd work quickly and thoroughly to learn as much as possible about the cause of the outbreak.”
Jatinder Paul - Partner

A spokesperson for Faltec Europe Ltd said a number of proactive and precautionary measures have been implemented on the advice of the firm’s water management company.