Specialist Industrial Disease Lawyers Secured Five-Figure Settlement From Employers

A steel welder who is suffering with occupational asthma has called for businesses to ensure they are providing the correct ventilation for workers exposed to harmful chemical and fumes at work after he received a five-figure settlement from him employers.

Gerald Stead, 63, from Knighton, Market Drayton, began working for Mena Engineering in 2003 as a steel welder and continues to work for the company, despite being diagnosed with occupational asthma.

He is now calling on businesses to ensure they have the correct ventilation and protection in place for workers on World Asthma Day (5 May).

During his employment, Gerald was exposed to harmful stainless steel fumes as the premises were poorly ventilated and fumes lingered in the atmosphere. As a result, Gerald began suffering with shortness of breath and was diagnosed with occupational asthma in April 2012.

Specialist industrial disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell successfully secured Gerald a five-figure damages settlement at Trial.

Mena Engineering Limited admitted liability for exposing Gerald to hazardous welding fumes during the course of his employment without any or any adequate respiratory protection and extraction.

Alex Shorey, a specialist industrial disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said:

Expert Opinion

“World Asthma Day aims to raise awareness, care and support for those affected by asthma, which has a significant impact on the quality of life of those who suffer with it.

“In our work we sadly see a large number of cases like Gerald’s, where his asthma was entirely preventable had he been provided with the correct protective equipment and if his working environment was correctly ventilated. As a consequence of poor measures being implemented by Gerald’s employer, he now suffers from a debilitating illness that prevents him from working in a job which he enjoyed.

“We’re delighted to have secured this settlement for Gerald, who continues to suffer with this condition every day.” Alex Shorey - Legal Director

Gerald, who has nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren said: “My diagnosis was a complete shock to me and it has had a huge impact on my life. My wife and I have moved out to the countryside to get more fresh air, but I still struggle to get my breath and I’ve had to give up some of the things I love, such as cycling and walking.

“I’m glad my legal team at Irwin Mitchell have been able to secure a settlement for me from my employers to cover the loss of earnings the condition has caused.

“The main thing for me though, is for my case to act as a reminder of the importance of protection and ventilation for those working with potentially harmful fumes.

“In my case, the correct measures were not taken to protect my health and I now suffer with occupational asthma as a result and rely on an inhaler every day. On World Asthma Day it is important to think about the impact the condition can have and ensure the number of preventable cases, such as mine, is reduced.”

If you or a loved one has suffered from respiratory problems - such as occupational asthma or silicosis - caused by conditions at work, our solicitors could help you claim compensation. See our Industrial Disease Claims page for more information.