Inquest Considers Death Of Prison Worker

The inquest into the death of a prison worker who died from mesothelioma and respiratory failure highlights the continuing impact of asbestos in such institutions.

Forty-six-year-old Sally Ann Knauer died in August 2009, with an inquest revealing she was exposed to the deadly material within 18 months of starting to working in the prison service at Guy’s Marsh in Dorset.

According to This is Dorset, she was diagnosed just months before passing away from asbestos-related disease.

Irwin Mitchell represents a number of clients who have suffered from exposure to asbestos in both industrial buildings and old public sites such as hospitals, prisons and schools.

Rosemary Giles, a London-based associate who specialises in helping those affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, said such cases are increasingly common.

She explained: “We have acted in several cases when people were exposed to asbestos fibres in prison institutions, as well as a number where victims have fallen ill as a result of contact with the material in hospitals and similar locations.

“This problem should not be allowed to continue any longer. Asbestos is one of the biggest occupational killers of all time and its terrible legacy has affected so many victims and their families.

“Lessons need to be learnt from cases like this, with organisations embracing proper management of the material and also removing it from buildings where possible.

“Efforts need to be made to ensure that the devastating consequences of asbestos do not affect anymore people.”