09.10.2014

Figures Reveal 20 Construction Workers Die From Asbestos Illness Every Week

Expert industrial illness lawyers have welcomed a campaign launched today (9 October 2014) by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that aims to cut the number of unnecessary deaths from asbestos amongst construction workers.

Experts from law firm Irwin Mitchell say it is vital Britain’s trade companies and workers take on board the advice given by the HSE on the safe removal of the material and the measures that can be taken to protect individuals, otherwise it will continue to cause ‘devastating’ effects for those exposed and their families for decades to come.

Despite asbestos being a banned substance in the UK since 1985, it can take several decades for symptoms of a related illness to develop and figures from the HSE revealed today that 20 constructions workers still die from asbestos-related diseases every week.

Adrian Budgen is Head of Asbestos-Related Disease Litigation at Irwin Mitchell and represents victims of industrial illness across the country.

Expert Opinion

This is a very positive step by the HSE and we, along with our clients, welcome the campaign.

“We continue to be instructed by hundreds of people each year whose lives have been turned upside down as a result of exposure to asbestos many years ago. Related illnesses such as mesothelioma, which most commonly affects the lining of the lungs, are incurable, cutting too many lives short every year and leaving heartbroken families to pick up the pieces.

“Many older buildings, including hospitals and schools, still contain asbestos and, whilst the risk is minimal if the material is not disturbed, the consequences can be devastating for those who inhale the fibres when they are released into the air. Our work shows it is not just people who work in heavy industry that are affected – many public sector workers such as teachers and health care professionals have developed mesothelioma simply by breathing the air at work.

“It is only by continuing to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos and explaining how the material can be safely removed, that we will see a decline in the number of people who are impacted by asbestos disease.

“Employers have a duty to protect their people and we hope all those who work within the construction industry will support the HSE’s campaign to ensure that in the future asbestos will no longer cause unnecessary deaths.”
Adrian Budgen - Partner

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise relating to asbestos claims