Information Sought On BBA Wellington Mills And Cleckheaton Sites

A former factory worker is appealing for help in establishing how he was exposed to asbestos which is believed to have caused his incurable lung disease.

Barry Gorman, 80, lives with asbestosis, a lung condition where the inside of the lung becomes scarred.  The condition is most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following his diagnosis in October last year, Barry, who lives in Wibsey, Bradford, instructed asbestos-related experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and his asbestos exposure at work.

He is now joining his legal team in appealing to his former workmates at British Belting Asbestos (BBA) Mintex for information on the conditions he faced during his employment.  In particular, they are seeking details on the Wellington Mills factory in the Laisterdyke district of Bradford.

Expert Opinion

“The past few months have been difficult for Barry as he and his family comes to terms with his diagnosis.

The use of asbestos in industrial settings was widespread, and Barry’s illness is yet another stark reminder of the terrible legacy it has left behind.

There is currently no cure for asbestosis. While there is nothing we can do to change what he’s going through, we’re determined to help provide him with the answers he deserves.

As such, we would be grateful to hear from anyone who worked for BBA or remembers working with Barry during his time at the Wellington Mills factory. Any detail could prove vital to our investigation.”
Dominic Riley - Solicitor

Barry was employed as a process operator at BBA’s Wellington Mills factory between 1973 and 1978.  He was involved in making clutch discs. Barry told his legal team that he spent a lot of the time operating the scatter winder machines.  He also worked near the industrial presses which used raw white asbestos.

Barry also recalled taking breaks in the canteen, where he mixed with other workers whose clothes would be covered in dust which would be released into the air.

Barry ended his first stint of employment with BBA in 1978, but returned in 1987 where he was based at the Cleckheaton factory until 2001.  He worked as a process operator in the pad finishing department and recalls dust coming off the grinding machines and wire brushing machines.

Following a series of tests, Barry was diagnosed with asbestosis in October last year.

He lives with his wife Carol, 74, who he helped to look after before his symptoms worsened.  The couple have three children and 10 grandchildren.

Barry said: “When I first fell ill, I thought it was maybe a chest infection.  I never once thought it would be something more serious, and I was devastated when I was given the diagnosis.

“Since October, I have been puffing if I go up my stairs and need to take a rest. I have been finding it harder to get out and about.

“To find out that my work could be to blame was another blow, as we were never made aware of the dangers of asbestos during my time there.

“My family have been a great support to me, and while there is nothing I can do to change what I’m going through, I feel I deserve some answers as to how this happened to me.

“I would therefore really appreciate it if anyone could come forward with any information to help.”

Anyone with details that could assist with this case is asked to contact Dominic Riley on 0113 394 6829 or by e-mail at Dominic.Riley@irwinmitchell.com.

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