Latest HSE Figures Show Over 950 Mesothelioma Deaths In Lancashire Since 1981

Specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have described Workers’ Memorial Day as an ‘important time’ to reflect on the dangers of asbestos, after new HSE figures highlighted the shocking number of deaths linked to exposure to the substance.

Workers’ Memorial Day is April 28th and is a day to ‘remember the dead and to fight for the living’ by paying respects to those who have died as a result of their employment and continuing to improve health and safety standards in the workplace. Events taking place to mark the day include a memorial and remembrance service in Chorley on April 27th, and a memorial service and march in Preston.

Irwin Mitchell is using the day to shine a light on the issue of asbestos, after figures released by the Health and Safety Executive showed that the number of deaths in the UK linked to the material in 2015 stood at more than 3,000, with the vast majority being caused by mesothelioma.

However, inhalation of asbestos dust and fibres can also cause lung cancer and other serious diseases, including asbestosis and plural thickening. According to the latest HSE’s figures available, there were 467 asbestosis deaths in the UK in 2015.

Irwin Mitchell has provided legal support to a vast number of people across Lancashire whose lives have been affected by asbestos, including those diagnosed with related illnesses or individuals who have sadly lost a loved one to such a condition.

Dominic Hemsi, a Partner and asbestos-related disease expert at Irwin Mitchell, said: 

According to the HSE figures, the number of deaths caused by mesothelioma between 1981 and 2015 in Lancashire stood at 968, 791 of which were males.

Dominic added: 

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in asbestos-related disease claims.