Asbestos claims, risks and prevention

Our panel of personal injury solicitors deal with many successful asbestos claims made by people who wish to gain compensation either for themselves or their loved ones. We offer a completely cost-free, hassle-free service and make sure that the asbestos claims process is as straightforward as possible for all our customers. We offer free legal advice, will use plain language instead of complicated legal jargon and will always be understanding and compassionate.

Asbestos is only poisonous when the fibres are disturbed and become airborne. When not disturbed or placed somewhere where they can not be disturbed, you are unlikely to be affected.

Already responsible for around 3,500 deaths in the UK every year, it is thought that the number of asbestos associated deaths is rising. Asbestos-related diseases can be developed as a result of exposure to asbestos in the home or in the workplace and drastic measures need to be taken.

Risky business
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), people are most at risk from exposure to the dangerous asbestos particles which may cause asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma for which they need to make asbestos claims when:

• Working on unfamiliar sites.
• Working on or in buildings built before the year 2000.
• Materials containing asbestos were not identified as such before the job commenced.
• Materials containing asbestos were identified but information was not passed on by employers to employees.
• You are unaware of how to recognise and work safely with asbestos.
• You are aware of how to work safely with asbestos but choose to put yourself at risk by not following proper precautions.

Prevention is better than cure
There are some preventative measures that you can take to make sure that you are never put in a position where you might be exposed to potentially fatal asbestos fibres. The HSE has put together some do's and don'ts especially designed for this purpose:

DO

• Stop and ask if you are suspicious that you are working with something that may be asbestos.

• Avoid disturbing any suspicious materials.

• Follow guidelines for working with or near asbestos, as provided by your employer.

• Use protective equipment, such as a suitable face mask.

• Make sure all waste is double bagged and disposed of properly at a licensed tip.

• Wash before taking breaks and returning home.

• Have your work overalls washed in a controlled environment and do not expose anyone else to the asbestos particles which may have clung to them.

DON'T

• Use work methods that create a lot of dust, such as using power tools.

• Sweep up dust and debris; instead use a Type H vacuum cleaner or wet rags.

• Take home overalls worn while working with asbestos.

• Reuse any disposable clothing or masks.

• Smoke.

• Eat or drink when in the work area.

How to make an asbestos claim
If you have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace due to the negligence of your employer or in any circumstances that were not your fault, then you may be entitled to make a compensation claim.

We work with a panel of personal injury solicitors who will talk you through each stage of the asbestos claim process and not charge you a single penny for their services. Yes that's right, making an asbestos claim through YouClaim is totally cost-free.

To find out more or to make an asbestos claim without delay either fill out our online form or give us a call on 0800 10 757 95.