Lawyer's Launch Investigation Into Worker's Tragic Death

05/08/2011

The family of a man who died from an aggressive asbestos related cancer is calling on his former colleagues who may have vital clues which will help in their battle for justice.

Kenneth Sanderson, from Worksop died in January 2010 after losing his life to asbestos related cancer of the lung lining, mesothelioma. Mr Sanderson believed he was exposed to asbestos while working at G R Stein Refractories Limited, (which later became known as Hepworth Refractories Limited)  in Worksop, where he worked as a kiln car operator between 1973 and 1991.

Now his two sons, Richard and David, are determined to continue his search for answers, and have instructed industrial illness experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate working conditions at the company. 

Richard Sanderson said: “David and I have lost precious time with our father and we want to get to the bottom of where he was exposed to asbestos. Before he died he was convinced he was exposed to asbestos while working at G R Stein Refractories, a company he worked at for almost 20 years.

“During this time he carried out tasks such as removing and replacing asbestos rope, which was used to act as a buffer when the cars collided in the kilns. This rope used to deteriorate rapidly and constantly needed replacing.

“He also believed the pipes near to where he worked were lagged with asbestos, and any maintenance work on these could have exposed him to asbestos. We just want to find out whether he was exposed to asbestos while working at G R Stein Refractories and if anybody thinks they can help we urge them to come forward. ”

Helen Ashton, a Partner in the Industrial Illness team at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Mr Sanderson firmly believed he was exposed to asbestos while working at G R Stein Refractories Limited, and we are now conducting an investigation into whether this is true and in to the conditions at the company.

“Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer which has devastating affects for victims like Mr Sanderson and their families. Because it can take up to 30 or 40 years to develop it can be difficult to assess where somebody was exposed to asbestos.

“We urge anyone who worked at G R Stein Refractories Limited (later known as Hepworth Refractories Limited between 1972 and 1991 or believes they may know more information to come forward and help with our investigation.”

Anybody who believes they may be able to help should contact Helen Ashton or Tracey Nichol on 01142 744308 or email Helen on helen.ashton@irwinmitchell.com