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compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
Anyone who handles asbestos or works with the substance should be well aware of the dangers of developing asbestosis through the activity, but there can be occasions when someone unwittingly risks contamination.
In August 2010, it was reported in the press that builders' waste containing asbestos had been dumped at the side of a country road in Surrey, potentially causing a dangerous situation for motorists and walkers, not only from the physical obstruction but also from the possibility of fibres being released into the air.
The road was closed until the rubbish could be cleared by specialist asbestos clearance contractors who were paid £1,000 by the local authority. These specially licensed workers were well aware of the precautions needed when handling asbestos-laden material and suitably protected themselves with masks and breathing apparatus to prevent them suffering from a work-related illness.
If police manage to identify the person who dumped the waste, there could be a prosecution under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. These rregulations prohibit the importation, supply and use of all forms of asbestos.
They also ban the second-hand use of asbestos products such as asbestos cement sheets and asbestos boards and tiles; including panels which have been covered with paint or textured plaster containing asbestos.
If existing asbestos-containing materials are in good condition, they may be left in place but their condition monitored and managed to ensure they are not disturbed.
Under the Asbestos Regulations, anyone carrying out work on asbestos insulation, asbestos coating or asbestos insulating board (AIB) needs a licence issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) unless they meet certain exemptions.
Asbestos licence holders, who can remove builders' waste contaminated with the deadly substance, are supervised by the HSE and must dispose of it in a suitable manner at a regulated site.
Someone who is not used to handling asbestos and does not take suitable precautions against inhalation, or works for a firm which is unwilling to pay for the cost of specialised disposal, may be at greater risk of contracting asbestosis and, if this is done on the instructions of an employer, he or she may then be able to claim compensation if health has suffered as a result of exposure to asbestos.
YouClaim helps asbestosis sufferers
Depending on the circumstances, it is quite likely that a legal case can be made for a worker who has developed asbestosis as a result of employment and expert advice is available from the experienced solicitors at YouClaim.
Wherever you live in the UK, one of our panel of personal injury lawyers will be pleased to offer sympathetic advice and, if you wish, representation should you decide to proceed with a justified compensation claim.
If you or a loved one has been affected by asbestosis or a similar work-related illness, you can speak to one of our legal staff free by calling 0800 10 757 95.
