Insurers Of Norwich Man’s Former Employers Admit Asbestos Exposure At Work

A Norwich man who spent much of his working life based at London County Hall, where he was employed by a removal firm, is speaking out about the dangers asbestos in public buildings poses to employees.

James Woods, 60, who is known to his friends and colleagues as Jim, was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an incurable cancer caused by asbestos exposure in September 2015.

He instructed expert lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his asbestos exposure and they have now secured an acceptance that, on the balance of probabilities, Jim was exposed to asbestos during the course of his work with his former employer.

Jim is now speaking out about the dangers asbestos may pose to employees who work in public buildings.

Jim worked in the basement of London County Hall, which contained miles of asbestos-lagged pipework. He said the pipework was often in a poor state and that dust and fibres fell onto the floor and contaminated his working environment.

Martyn Hayward, an expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing Jim, said:

Jim said: “My mesothelioma diagnosis came as a complete shock to me and it makes it even worse that the disease I’m suffering with could have been prevented by better maintenance of asbestos, warnings about the dangers it poses or being provided protective equipment so I didn’t inhale it.

“I want to make sure what is happening to me doesn’t happen to anyone else. It is extremely important that people working in older public buildings are better protected, which means telling them about the risks asbestos can pose.

“It also means managing asbestos correctly and taking steps to remove it from where it may still pose a threat to employees. I just want to make sure other people are aware of the terrible consequences inhaling asbestos can have and make sure other people don’t end up going through the same thing I am.”

Our expert asbestos claims team will provide you with free initial advice on your compensation claim if you or a loved one has suffered due to contracting mesothelioma. See our Mesothelioma Claims page for more information.