HSE Hosts Free Event To Raise Awareness Of Dangers

Asbestos claims specialists at Irwin Mitchell’s Glasgow office have welcomed the latest efforts to raise awareness of the dangerous of the deadly material among tradespeople north of the border.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has held a free training initiative involving more than 40 colleges and organisations this week in order to highlight to joiners, electricians and others how they can protect themselves from the threat of asbestos.

Almost 3,500 people died from asbestos-related disease mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung, between 1982 and 2008. The training scheme included a video featuring 58-year-old pipe fitter Christopher Morgan, who died from the illness in March 2010.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist asbestos-related claims team represent workers who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and other conditions after being exposed to asbestos through no fault of their own, as well as acting for the families of those who have died from the illnesses.

Elaine Russell, a Partner at the firm’s Glasgow office with expertise in the area, said: “So many of the cases we are involved in demonstrate the terrible failures which have been made in the past in relation to the handling of asbestos and the issue of proper advice.

“However, events like this are a clear sign that lessons can be learned from the past which will ensure today’s generation of workers are given guidance and are fully protected from the dangers of exposure to the material.

“Employers simply cannot afford to ignore the importance of this issue and we hope that schemes like this, linked to the HSE’s Hidden Killer campaign, will continue to provide vital information to many in the future.”

Our expert asbestos lawyers will provide you with free initial advice on your compensation claim if you or a loved one has suffered due to an asbestos related illness. See our Asbestos-Related Disease Claims Guide for more information.