Information Being Sought On Working Conditions To Establish Cause Of Exposure

The family of a former sheet metal worker from Hull who died from as an asbestos-related cancer are seeking information from anyone who may have worked with him in the ship building industry.

Grandfather-of-seven Harry Rawlins died on his 80th birthday, following a diagnosis of mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs which is commonly associated with exposure to asbestos decades ago.

His family are now looking for his former workmates to come forward with information on his employment history and working conditions, to establish how he was exposed to the hazardous substance. 

They have instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how Harry came into contact with the material during his working years. As well as seeking answers the family are also trying to secure support for his wife Ivy, who suffers from dementia and relied heavily on her late husband to care for her.

As part of the investigation, the expert lawyers are keen to hear from anyone who worked in the shipbuilding industry in Hull, in particular Hellyers which was one of the biggest trawler companies in the UK, where Harry was employed after he left school in 1952 as an apprentice sheet worker.  He was there for several years before going to work for the Humber Graving Dock and Engineering Company in 1968/69.  This was followed by Humber St Andrews Engineering Company where Harry worked from 1970/71 to 1974/75.

Before his death, Harry managed to recall undertaking extensive work on ships during his apprenticeship and later in his career, and he also recalled being exposed to asbestos during his time with these companies as it was inevitable due to the construction of the ships at that time.

His stepson David Leighton said: “Harry did advise us prior to his death that he had been exposed to asbestos, but unfortunately he deteriorated so quickly it was very difficult to speak to him at length about his employment history and his former work colleagues.

“It was awful to see how quickly the mesothelioma affected someone who had been very active and enjoyed activities such as bowls and gardening.

“It’s also more difficult for us as Harry was the main carer for our mother Ivy, and following his death she has had to be placed into a permanent care home.

“Thankfully, the team at Irwin Mitchell are supporting us with our legal investigations to help us ensure that our mother receives the necessary care and support for the future.”

Expert Opinion

“We are appealing for anyone who worked alongside Harry at these companies to come forward and provide further information in relation to how Harry’s potential exposure to asbestos would have occurred.

Asbestos-related diseases can be devastating but they only develop symptoms many years after the exposure to harmful dust and fibres.

Any piece of information, no matter how big or small, could ultimately prove vital to our efforts to help them gain answers and justice.”
Nicola Handley - Senior Associate Solicitor

Anyone with any information that could assist with this case is asked to contact Nicola at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office on 01132 206233 or by e-mail at Nicola.handley@irwinmitchell.com.

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