Information Sought On Working Conditions At Rowntrees Factory, York

The family of a former Project and Maintenance Engineer from Tadcaster who died from asbestos-related cancer two years ago have joined with lawyers to call for his old workmates to come forward and help them gain justice regarding his illness.

Alan Owen passed away aged 81 in September 2016 at Highfields Care Home in Tadcaster from mesothelioma – a cancer of the lining of the lung linked to exposure to asbestos materials – with a subsequent inquest concluding he died from malignant mesothelioma, an industrial disease.

Following his death, his family instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office to help them gain answers regarding how he developed the illness and whether he could have been protected from exposure to the material.

Now, as part of their ongoing investigations, the legal experts are calling on anyone who worked with Alan at the Rowntrees factory in York from 1961 to 1993 to come forward and provide information regarding the presence of asbestos at the site.

Nicola Handley, the specialist asbestos lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who is representing Alan’s family, said: “This is sadly yet another case which highlights how the devastating consequences of asbestos exposure often only become apparent many years after the contact has seemingly taken place.

“Two years on from his death, Alan’s family remain desperate for answers regarding how he was exposed to asbestos and if it could have been avoided. We would be hugely grateful to anyone who may be able to help us as we continue our examination of his work history.”

Following his diagnosis of mesothelioma, Alan told doctors that he believed his asbestos exposure may have occurred during his time at Rowntrees. 

His wife Mary, 85, recalled: “He worked as a project engineer in the electrical department at Rowntrees and I remember him saying he often worked closely with plumbers who had to remove old asbestos lagging from pipework.  

“Alan spent many years working for Rowntrees and enjoyed his job immensely.  He later worked as the Chief Maintenance Engineer and had responsibilities for over 865 employees and his last role was as a Divisional Maintenance Co-ordinator.  Alan made the difficult decision to take voluntary redundancy in 1993 following the Nestle takeover and leave a company that he had worked for over 30 years.

“Alan was very proud of his engineering history at Rowntrees and following his retirement he became the Secretary of the York Society of Engineers, a post that he held for 14 years.  

“It is still hard to believe that Alan has passed away and the whole family misses him so much. We are frustrated to have so many questions regarding his death and the fact that the job that he enjoyed could have led to his death. We would appreciate any help or information from his former colleagues in order to assist us in finding out just how he became exposed to asbestos.

“Any information could ultimately prove vital as we try and get justice regarding what he went through.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Nicola Handley at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office on 0113 220 6223 or email Nicola.Handley@irwinmitchell.com.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in mesothelioma cases.