Appeal For Durham Man’s Former Colleagues To Help In Battle For Justice

The widow of a former power station worker who died two years ago from an asbestos-related illness has teamed up with lawyers to appeal for anyone who worked with him at two London sites to come forward with details regarding the working conditions he faced.

Frank John Gargett, who was originally from Trimdon in County Durham, died aged 71 in November 2015 from asbestosis, a condition caused by exposure to asbestos materials.

Following his death, his widow Pauline instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help her gain answers regarding how Frank developed the illness and whether more should have been done to protect him from the dangers of the material.

As part of their ongoing investigations, they are now keen to hear from anyone who worked with Frank during his time as an employee at Deptford Power Station and Woolwich Power Station between 1974 and 1983.

Emma Crowther, the legal expert at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office who is representing Pauline, said: 

Expert Opinion

“A case of this nature demonstrates the terrible impact that asbestos exposure can have on a victim, often leading them to develop very serious health problems decades after initial contact with the material.

“Our enquiries have led us to believe that Frank may have been exposed to asbestos during his time at the power stations in London, so we would be keen to develop a clearer picture of the working conditions he faced on a daily basis. Any information may prove essential in our efforts to ensure that Pauline can get the answers she deserves in relation to Frank’s death.” Emma Crowther - Senior Associate Solicitor

Frank moved to London in 1972 and after having a few short-term jobs, he started work as a boiler cleaner at Deptford Power Station on the South Bank in 1974.

Pauline recalls: “Frank always talked about his job at Deptford as dirty work and how it often involved going into confined spaces to clean the boilers. 

“He also told me how asbestos was present and he would always come home covered in dirt and dust. Despite this, he was never given any breathing protection or safety advice about working around asbestos.”

Following three years at Deptford, Frank then moved on to Woolwich Power Station and worked there on the water treatment site until 1983. In 1983 Frank moved out of the area to Tilbury. After several other energy-related jobs, he eventually retired in 2005 and he and Pauline moved back to County Durham.

Pauline added: “Moving back up north meant Frank lost touch with his former workmates, so sadly we were not in contact with anyone when he first became ill.

“Looking back, it was horrible to see how the illness affected him and I would be hugely grateful if anybody who did work with him was able to get in touch and provide information to help us understand how he came to fall ill.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Jennifer Fish on 0191 279 0119 or email Jennifer.Fish@IrwinMitchell.com.