Specialist Industrial Disease Lawyers Investigating Asbestos Exposure At ICI Sites

A devoted husband and father is searching for his former work colleagues to help with an investigation after he was diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer believed to have been caused by exposure to the deadly dust decades ago.

Geoffrey Jennison, 66, from Middlesbrough, worked at chemical plants in the North East from the 1960s through to 2003 and recalls regularly coming into contact with deadly asbestos dust and fibres throughout his employment.

He has now instructed expert industrial disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, which recently opened a consulting office in Middlesbrough, to help in his battle for justice against his former employers and to find out how he came to be exposed to such a dangerous substance.

Geoffrey worked for Imperial Chemical Industry (ICI) at a variety of sites at the Wilton plant including, the DMT plant from 1965 to1980, the Resins and Esters Plant between 1980 and 1984, the T7 plant from 1986 – 1992 and the T8 plant from 1992 - 2001 whilst working as a Plant Operator and Supervisor.

Geoffrey developed a lasting cough in early 2015 and was referred to James Cook University Hospital by his GP. Tests highlighted he had a black spot on his left lung and following a biopsy he was diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer.

He has recently undergone surgery to remove his left lung and is receiving further, on-going treatment.

Roger Maddocks, a Partner and specialist industrial disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing Geoffrey, said:

Expert Opinion

“Asbestos-related lung cancer can cause so much devastation for victims, like Geoffrey, and their families. It can take decades from exposure for the symptoms to develop so it can be difficult to trace exactly how the exposure to asbestos occurred and what measures, if any, were in place to protect workers.

“Through our work we have represented a number of former ICI workers and know from experience that asbestos was commonly used at the company’s sites across the north east.

“We are asking people who worked for ICI at sites across Wilton, Redcar and Cleveland to get in touch with information about the presence of asbestos, the protective equipment provided to staff or details on the warnings in place to inform employees of the risks of asbestos exposure.” Roger Maddocks - Partner

The married father-of-two said: “Every day we would have to remove asbestos lagging from the pipeworks to maintain or repair equipment. We would remove the lagging with our hands and a hammer and the dust could be seen in the surrounding air. I was never warned that I might be harmed by breathing in the asbestos dust and was never provided with any protective equipment.”

“I’m hoping people will come forward and contact Irwin Mitchell with information so that we get answers as to why I was exposed to asbestos at work while the dangers were known.

“I have always worked full-time and been active in the house undertaking all DIY and Gardening tasks, so I knew something was seriously wrong when I found myself constantly out of breath and developed a cough that I was unable to shake off.

“When I was diagnosed with asbestos related lung cancer my wife and children were heartbroken. I don’t know what my future holds and I am unable to work at present. I’m worried about being able to provide for my family.”

Anyone who has any information on working conditions at ICI should call Emma Crowther at Irwin Mitchell on 01642 246915 or email Emma.Crowther@IrwinMitchell.com.