Work Ongoing To Highlight Dangers

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has praised law firm Irwin Mitchell for raising awareness of the rising number of people dying from the asbestos related disease mesothelioma.

HSE head of operations Pam Waldron said the organisation was “pleased” that the firm had used an article published in the Newcastle Journal earlier this month to highlight concerns over the impact of the lung cancer.

She added that while there is little that can be done to help those exposed a number of years ago, work is ongoing to ensure that tradesmen working today are fully aware of the risks of disturbing the material through their work.

Commenting on the HSE response, David Urpeth, national head of workplace injuries at Irwin Mitchell, who specialise in cases related to mesothelioma, and other asbestos related diseases said: “We of course welcome the news that the government body is pleased with our work to highlight the impact of this terrible illness.

“I have seen so many families suffer as a result of exposure to asbestos and it is so important that lessons are learnt from the past.

“While the use of asbestos in buildings is now banned in Britain, work to highlight the dangers of the material must not stop as so many of the younger generation of workers risk coming into contact with it in so many places.

“It is the biggest occupational killer of all time, so we will continue to do all we can to stop it from claiming more lives.”

If you or a loved one has been affected by an asbestos related illness, our solicitors can help you to claim compensation. See our Asbestos Claims page for more information.