Britain: Families at risk from deadly asbestos
It’s not just your own asbestos exposures at work that can lead to a deadly cancer, they can hit your family too, recent cases affecting a daughter, a wife and a granddaughter have demonstrated. Portsmouth News • Daily Echo • The Sun • Risks 476 Hazards news,
2 October 2010
Britain: NUT critical of schools asbestos assurances
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has ‘misplaced’ confidence in a survey it says establishes the ability of schools to safety manage asbestos, teaching union NUT has said. NUT general secretary Christine Blower said inspectors only visited 42 authorities, adding: “The other 110 simply completed an on-line survey, making the survey essentially a paper exercise, reliant on local authorities admitting to failings in their system of asbestos management in order to trigger a visit from the HSE.” HSE news release, survey findings and asbestos management webpages • NUT news release • Edexec • Asbestos in Schools • Risks 475 Hazards news,
25 September 2010
Britain: MOD censured for asbestos crimes
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has received a formal Crown Censure from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after potentially exposing workers to deadly asbestos fibres. The action relates to criminal breaches of safety law however the ministry, as a government body, cannot be prosecuted in the criminal courts.
HSE news releases on the MoD Crown Censure and the Interserve fine • HSE managing asbestos webpages • Risks 474 Hazards news,
18 September 2010
Britain: Deadly asbestos risks onboard ships
A union campaign to secure tougher controls against the threats posed by asbestos on ships has won backing from delegates to TUC’s Congress. Seafarers’ union Nautilus International secured unanimous support for a motion expressing concern at the continued presence of asbestos on ships – despite international rules introduced in 2002 to prevent its use. Nautilus news release • Risks 474 Hazards news,
18 September 2010
Global: Asbestos use must stop, confirms ILO
Asbestos industry lobbyists pushing the deadly fibre on the developing world must not claim to have the support of the International Labour Organisation, the United Nations body has indicated. As well as encouraging governments to sign up to ILO conventions, the statement highlights ILO’s commitment to “promoting the elimination of the future use of all forms of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials.” The ILO position on safety in the use of asbestos, ILO, September 2010[pdf] • Risks 473 Hazards news,
11 September 2010
Global: Canada gives asbestos mine more money
A last-ditch effort to revive Quebec’s asbestos industry has received a government cash lifeline while the deadly mining operation scrabbles to find private investors. The rapid approval by the Quebec government of a Can$3.5 million (£2.15m) guaranteed line of credit, plus political support from Canada’s federal government, means the Jeffrey mine in Asbestos, Quebec will reopen for the month of September while it courts possible investors from the UK and India. IBAS news release • Toronto Star • CBC News • Risks 472 Hazards news,
28 August 2010
Britain: Shipbreaker fined over asbestos risks
A North Lincolnshire shipbreaking company put its workers and others at risk of exposure to asbestos, a court has heard. Marine reclamation company Acetech Construction Limited, purchased a Polish former fishing vessel, ‘The Patricia III’, in 2007 for dismantling and selling on as scrap. HSE news release and asbestos webpages •Risks 471 Hazards news,
28 August 2010
Britain: Asbestos disturbed at primary school
A Solihull building firm has been fined £1,000 after failing to take precautions against asbestos while working at a school. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted the company after bosses at Greswolde Construction Ltd failed to warn employees the substance was present, despite being in possession of a survey detailing the location of the asbestos. HSE news release • Risks 471 Hazards news,
28 August 2010
Britain: Trades led to asbestos cancers
Two men from the West Midlands developed cancer as a result of exposures to asbestos at work. Iain Shoolbred, a workplace illness expert with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, is representing is appealing to former work colleagues of Ronald Webster and Barry Halford to come forward with information about working practices, which could prove essential to their compensation claims.
Irwin Mitchell Solicitors news releases on the Ronald Webster and Barry Halford cases. Anyone who worked with either should contact Iain Shoolbred at Irwin Mitchell solicitors on 0870 1500 100 • Risks 470 Hazards news, 21 August 2010
Britain: Council condemned over schools risks
The leadership of a London council has been condemned by UNISON for its “staggering” failure to address potentially deadly health risks to school staff and pupils. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation into the possible presence of asbestos and legionella bacteria in four schools in the London borough of Waltham Forest found that the council had no plans to deal with the risk of exposure to pupils. Labournet • Morning Star • Waltham Forest Guardian • Daily Mirror • Asbestos in schools website • HSE legionnaires and asbestos webpages • Risks 470 Hazards news,
21 August 2010
Britain: Firm must pay for hospice cancer care
The High Court has ruled a company responsible for a man’s death from an asbestos cancer should contribute to his hospice care costs. The ‘landmark’ case involves James Willson who in 1951, aged 20, went to work erecting new boilers at Deptford Power Station and subsequently died of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. Irwin Mitchell Solicitors news release • Loughborough Echo • Risks 469 Hazards news,
14 August 2010
Britain: Joinery job led to asbestos cancer
A former joiner has received a payout for an asbestos cancer, despite one of his employers having ceased trading. Unite member Bernard Dean, 61, received a “substantial” payout after developing mesothelioma. Thompsons Solicitors news release and ELIB campaign • Risks 468 Hazards news,
7 August 2010
Britain: Old schools equal more asbestos problems
Unions and asbestos groups have warned there will be “hidden consequences” of the government’s decision to scrap the Building Schools for the Future programme, saying there is “a real and increased risk” of children, teachers and support staff being exposed to asbestos fibres. Northern TUC news release • Asbestos Exposure in Schools website • Risks 367 Hazards news,
31 July 2010
Global: True cost of asbestos is exposed
A global network of lobbying groups is ensuring asbestos, banned or restricted in more than 50 countries, continues to be using in developing nations. A four-continent investigation by the US-based Center for Public Integrity (CPI) reports that many scientists fear the continued use of asbestos could significantly prolong a global epidemic of asbestos-related illnesses. Dangers in the dust – a Center for Public Integrity investigation • BBC News Online • Toronto Star • Montreal Gazette • Vancouver Sun • Risks 466 Hazards news,
24 July 2010
Britain: Prefab demolition led to asbestos death
A man who developed cancer after being exposed to asbestos while demolishing prefabricated houses received a compensation payout just weeks before his death. John Manniex, from Leigh in Greater Manchester, died of mesothelioma on 1 July. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Risks 465 Hazards news,
17 July 2010
Global: Campaigners denounce Canada on asbestos
A protest outside London’s Canada House was intended to “shame” Canada for promoting asbestos exports, the organisers said. The protest on 1 July, timed to coincide with official celebrations to mark Canada Day, took place as plans were being finalised to pump Canadian federal and state funds into an expansion of asbestos production and exports - demonstrators carried banners bearing messages including: “Canadian asbestos – buy now, die later.” UCATT news release • GMB news release • Asbestos Forum news release [pdf] • A worn-out welcome: Renewed call for a global ban on asbestos, Environmental Health Perspectives, 1 July 2010 • Risks 464 Hazards news,
10 July 2010
Global: Condemnation of Canada’s asbestos ruse
Moves to use public money to underwrite the cost of a massive expansion of asbestos mining in Canada are attracting condemnation in Canada and worldwide. This week, in a letter sent to Quebec leader Jean Charest, the Canadian Cancer Society urged the premier not to approve a Can$58 million (£36.6m) loan guarantee to Jeffrey Asbestos Mines, based in Quebec. Canadian Cancer Society news release and position statement • Public Citizen news release • Montreal Gazette • CBC News • RightOnCanada • Risks 463 Hazards news,
19 June 2010
Britain: Asbestos protest, Canada House, London, 1 July
Asbestos and safety campaigners are to protest outside Canada House on 1 July. The event, on Canada’s National Day, is to protest at Canada’s continuing support for Quebec’s exports of asbestos to the developing world.
Asbestos protest at Canada House, Trafalgar Square, London 10am to 12 noon, 1 July 2010. Event details • Risks 461 Hazards news,
19 June 2010
Canada: Deathbed reprieve for killer industry?
The battle to end Canada's export of deadly asbestos may be about to be lost, a top human rights group has warned. Kathleen Ruff of the Rideau Institute says: “Economically, the industry is on its deathbed,” but adds that it has reason to believe it will soon receive a multi-million dollar bail-out from Canada’s federal and Quebec governments. Toronto Star • Risks 460 Hazards news,
12 June 2010
Britain: Widow calls for insurance fix
An asbestos widow has called on the government to help asbestos victims and their families overcome barriers to obtaining compensation. Caroline Squires from Wacton in Norfolk has voiced her support for an Employers’ Liability Insurance Bureau (ELIB) after her husband, Almer, died from asbestos related cancer mesothelioma. Mr Squires, died in October 2008, aged 66. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Risks 457 Hazards news,
22 May 2010
Britain: Double tragedy for asbestos cancer victim
An asbestos cancer sufferer whose first wife died from the same disease has received compensation from his former employer. Unite member Roland Lakin, 70, from Chorley in Lancashire was diagnosed with the incurable cancer mesothelioma in July 2009 after he nursed his first wife, Thelma, through the disease until she died in 2006. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Chorley Citizen • Risks 456 Hazards news,
15 May 2010
Britain: Union asbestos register pinpoints exposure
A former engineer has spoken of his relief in obtaining compensation after being diagnosed with the incurable asbestos cancer mesothelioma in February 2009. Unite member David Marren, 63, became aware of the diseases caused by asbestos when his union launched a National Asbestos Exposure Register. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Risks 456 Hazards news,
15 May 2010
Global: Asbestos exports are ‘a crime’
An Indian health group is accusing Jean Charest of backing human rights abuses because of the Quebec premier's views on asbestos exports to the country. Mohit Gupta of the Occupational and Environmental Health Network of India says Charest is dismissing Indians as second-class citizens. Ban Asbestos India news release • BWI news release • Winnipeg Free Press • Risks 454 Hazards news,
1 May 2010
Britain: UNISON anger at shortcuts before safety
Public sector union UNISON has revealed that in the last year it has secured nearly £2 million for members with asbestos-related diseases. The union says the figure, released on Workers’ Memorial Day, highlights the risk that many workers face just doing their day-to-day jobs. UNISON news release • Risks 454 Hazards news,
1 May 2010
Britain: Punk shop asbestos ‘killed McLaren’
The former Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren may have been exposed to the asbestos that killed him while smashing up Sex, his King's Road punk design shop, his partner Young Kim has said. She said the 64-year-old, who died on 8 April of the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma, was exposed to the deadly material when he shattered the ceiling of Sex, the shop he shared with his then partner, designer Vivienne Westwood. The Independent • The Telegraph • BBC News Online • Risks 452 Hazards news,
17 April 2010
Britain: Dying rail worker gets asbestos payout
A dying man has received £120,000 compensation for the asbestos cancer mesothelioma, caused by his exposure to the fibre while working as a welder at the British Rail workshops in Derby. The 76-year-old Unite member, whose name has not been released, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in February 2009. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Risks 452 Hazards news,
17 April 2010
Britain: ‘Gross dereliction’ on school asbestos menace
A failure to tackle effectively the problem of asbestos in schools amounts to a ‘gross dereliction’ of the duty of care to staff and pupils, teaching union NUT has said. NUT news release • Risks 451 Hazards news,
10 April 2010
Canada: More public cash for the asbestos lobby
A Canadian government committee has voted to continue funding a body that has spearheaded the global campaign to push deadly asbestos on the developing world. The natural resources committee of the House of Commons rejected a motion that sought to eliminate the Can$250,000 (£164,000) in yearly funding Canada gives to the Chrysotile Institute, a Quebec-based asbestos industry group and energetic advocate of Canadian asbestos exports. NDP news release • Winnipeg Free Press • RightOnCanada.ca campaign to end Canadian government funding for the asbestos lobby and asbestos webpages • Risks 449 Hazards news,
27 March 2010
Global: Body repeats call for an asbestos ban
Over 10 years after a global society of occupational medicine experts called for a worldwide asbestos ban, it has reiterated its call and said any further delay will carry a high cost in human lives. The Collegium Ramazzini notes: “All countries of the world have an obligation to their citizens to join in the international endeavour to ban all forms of asbestos,” adding: “An international ban on asbestos is urgently needed.” International Ban Asbestos Secretariat • Risks 447 Hazards news,
13 March 2010
Britain: Government acts on asbestos illness
The Ministry of Justice has announced a range of measures to support people who have been exposed to asbestos. TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said the decision not to compensate new cases of pleural plaques was “disappointing” but added “the other measures announced will be of real benefit to those who develop a disease as a result of exposure to asbestos”. Ministry of Justice news release and statement from Jack Straw • DWP news release • TUC news release • Risks 445 Hazards news,
27 February 2010
Britain: Mixed verdict from asbestos victims
Asbestos victims’ organisations and personnel injury lawyers have given a mixed verdict on the government’s moves on pleural plaques and asbestos compensation and research. Asbestos Forum news release and [pdf] • Thompsons Solicitors news release • Risks 445 Hazards news,
27 February 2010
Britain: UCATT says victims have been ‘abandoned’
Construction union UCATT has expressed disappointment after the government ‘abandoned’ the majority of pleural plaques victims in England and Wales. The union was speaking out after justice secretary Jack Straw confirmed on 25 February the government would only compensate pleural plaques victims who had lodged a legal case prior to a 2007 Law Lords decision to bar compensation. UCATT news release • Risks 445 Hazards news,
27 February 2010
Britain: Flawed evidence denied asbestos victims
People killed by asbestos diseases have been wrongly denied compensation because the courts have relied on flawed medical evidence, a landmark case has shown. The judge said that the asbestos level of 20 million fibres for confirmation of asbestos disease was “set too high, probably significantly too high” and found in favour of asbestosis widow Della Sabin and awarded her £100,000 in compensation. Pannone LLP news release • Risks 445 Hazards news,
27 February 2010
USA: Shock tactic in New York asbestos protest
A New York union branch has found a novel way of highlighting both the dangers of asbestos and also the importance of unionisation in protecting the safety of both workers and the public. The union has put a coffin outside the offices of a company that is using non-unionised workers to remove asbestos. Risks 444 Hazards news,
• 20 February 2010
Britain: Compensation after asbestos exposure
A former power station worker Clifford King, 85, from Newark in Nottinghamshire has received compensation thanks to his union, Unite, taking up his claim for damages after he was diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease. Risks 443 Hazards news,
13 February 2010
Philippines: Unions launch asbestos e-campaign
Unions in the Philippines have launched an email campaign to press for a ban on all asbestos use. The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), the Associated Labor Unions (ALU) and the Building and Woodworkers International (BWI) campaign is urging the country’s Senate to pass Senate Bill 741, banning asbestos. Ban Asbestos Philippines news release • Risks 442 Hazards news,
6 February 2010
Global: Scientists slam Canada’s asbestos trade
Over a hundred prominent scientists in 28 countries have challenged Quebec Premier Jean Charest, who embarked on a trade mission to India on 31 January, to stop Quebec's export of asbestos to the developing world. The assault on Canada’s deadly trade came ahead of the mission to India, a key export market for Canada’s asbestos. RightOn Canada news release and letter to Premier Charest [pdf] • Montreal Gazette • CBC News • CTV News • ETUI-HESA news report • Risks 442 Hazards news,
6 February 2010
Britain: Former BT worker gets asbestos cancer
A former BT engineer has received “substantial” compensation after his employers admitted exposing him to asbestos. Unite member Vaughan Toms, 62, was diagnosed with the asbestos cancer mesothelioma in November 2008 after complaining about being breathless to his doctor. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Risks 441 Hazards news,
30 January 2010
Britain: Union disgust at asbestos law appeal
Insurers have appealed against the decision to allow legislation giving victims of an asbestos-related illness in Scotland the right to claim damages. Last week, a judge rejected a bid to invalidate The Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions)(Scotland) Act which came into force last year and which allows sufferers of pleural plaques, a usually benign scarring of the lungs, to make compensation claims. UCATT news release • ABI news release • BBC News Online • Risks 440 Hazards news,
3 January 2010
Britain: Lunch breaks led to asbestos cancer
A gardener exposed to asbestos when he took his lunch break in a boiler room has been awarded £205,000 compensation after developing a deadly cancer. UNISON helped the 57-year-old, identified as Mr Gaffney, to claim the compensation after he was exposed to asbestos while working for the University of Liverpool during the 1980s. UNISON news release • Risks 440 Hazards news,
23 January 2010
Britain: Workers 'robbed of life and compensation'
Victims of industrial diseases are being denied their full payments, as benefits are clawed back, according to an article in the Independent. Campaigners have told the paper that victims of industrial diseases such as the asbestos cancer mesothelioma are being “robbed” of government compensation because of an “unjust and indefensible” loophole in the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) scheme. The Independent • Risks 439 Hazards news,
16 January 2010
Britain: Official sums wrong on pleural plaques
Construction union UCATT has demanded urgent answers after discovering the government's liability for pleural plaques victims is a fraction of what had previously been claimed. The union says the government’s fear of footing a high compensation bill is the “principal reason” behind the lengthy delays in announcing a decision on pleural plaques compensation. UCATT news release • Morning Star • Risks 439 Hazards news,
16 January 2010
Britain: Some asbestos diseases are compensated
While the insurance industry fights to stop pleural plaques being compensated and the government fights the urge to make a decision, other asbestos related conditions are attracting payouts – thanks to union legal services. UNISON news release • Thompsons Solicitors news release • Risks 439 Hazards news,
16 January 2010
Britain: Union casts doubt on official plaques dossier
Construction union UCATT has said the author of a key government report recommending that pleural plaques victims should not receive compensation is not an expert in the field and has not met any pleural plaques sufferers. Professor Robert Maynard, an expert in air pollution, wrote ‘Medical aspects of pleural plaques: a review for the Chief Medical Officer’. UCATT news release • Risks 438 Hazards news,
9 January 2009
Britain: Mum’s family searches for asbestos clues
The family of a young mother who died from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma is searching for more information about where she was exposed to the deadly dust. Tracey Carpenter from Kettering was just 43 when she died in November this year. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Northants Evening Telegraph• Anyone wanting to pass on information should call Neil Baines at Thompsons Solicitors on freephone 08000 224 224 or 0115 9897209 • Risks 437 Hazards news,
19 December 2009
[deadly bus/asbestos] Britain: Company ignored asbestos warnings
A company has been fined for failing to carry out proper risk assessments for the presence of asbestos before a major office refurbishment in Merthyr Tydfil. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says Waxport Ltd put employees and contractors at risk when work started on the refurbishment without an asbestos survey. HSE news release and Hidden killer campaign • Local London • Risks 437 Hazards news,
19 December 2009
Britain: Tate & Lyle pays out for pleural thickening
A sugar factory worker has received £12,000 in a provisional payout for an asbestos related disease. The GMB member, whose name has not been released, was diagnosed with pleural thickening in 2007 after suffering from lung problems for several years. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Risks 436 Hazards news,
12 December 2009
Britain: Government accepts insurers have failed
Campaigners have welcomed a government proposal that may close a loophole that denies compensation to many victims of workplace diseases and their families. After a government review, work and pensions minister Lord McKenzie accepted many employees did not have access to the compensation they deserved, especially in cases where conditions, such as occupational cancers like mesothelioma, may take many years to develop. DWP review [pdf] • Asbestos Forum news release [pdf] • Irwin Mitchell news release • Independent on Sunday • Risk 435 Hazards news,
5 December 2009
Britain: Asbestos victims lose out, bankers cash in
Construction union UCATT has said it is disappointed that the government has “once again been able to find billions of pounds to bail out the banks but seems unable to find just a few million pounds to compensate pleural plaques victims.” The union was speaking out after the 3 November announcement that the government was to make available a further £33.5 billion bailout for the disastrously mis-managed Royal Bank of Scotland. UCATT news release • Morning Star • Risks 432 Hazards news,
14 November 2009
Britain: Director fined after asbestos exposures
Two businesses and a company director have been fined after workers in Manchester were exposed to potentially deadly asbestos fibres. Recon Packaging Ltd pleaded guilty to breaches of the control of asbestos regulations; Industrial & Commercial Building Services Ltd (ICBS) and its managing director, Kevin Bennett, pleaded guilty to a breach of workplace safety law and of the Asbestos Licensing Regulations 1983. HSE news release and asbestos webpages • Risks 431 Hazards news,
7 November 2009
Britain: New warning on Britain’s biggest work killer
Britain's biggest workplace killer could blight another generation of building workers unless urgent action is taken to tackle asbestos risks. HSE’s new £1.2 million, month-long ‘Hidden killer’ campaign sets out to warn Britain's 1.8 million building trades workers about the dangers they face. HSE news release, podcast and Hidden Killer webpages • HSE Scotland news release • For a free HSE asbestos information pack see the Hidden Killer webpages or call 0845 345 0055 • Risks 431 Hazards news,
7 November 2009
Britain: Cancer sufferer escapes insurance trap
A 76-year-old grandfather has succeeded in his claim for compensation for asbestos related cancer after being told at first no employers’ liability insurer could be found to cover the payout. John Pickering and Partners Solicitors news release • Risks 430 Haazards news, 31 October 2009
Britain: Fund sets aside £85m for asbestos claims
An £85 million asbestos compensation fund has been set up for London’s public sector, amid warnings that claims could double in the next decade. The London Pensions Fund Authority is putting aside the cash following estimates that the number of cases will rise to 25 a year, after a landmark legal case led to the authority paying out in a case involving a teacher. London Evening Standard • Risks 430 Hazards news,
31 October 2009
Britain: Unions step up pleural plaques fight
Unions have stepped up their campaign to win compensation for victims of asbestos-related pleural plaques, with a fresh appeal to the government to overturn a Law Lords ruling. A lobby of parliament organised by unions including GMB, Unite and UCATT this week pressed MPs to support moves to overturn the ruling denying payouts to sufferers of pleural plaques – a scarring of the lungs that has been linked to an increased risk of subsequently developing mesothelioma, lung and other cancer. Unite news release • GMB news release • The Scotsman • Risks 430 Hazards news, 31 October 2009
USA: DuPont sued over asbestos in Argentina
Chemical giant DuPont exposed workers in Argentina to asbestos until the late 1990s despite knowing the risks of the material, according to three lawsuits filed in the US. The lawsuits came from former workers at a Lycra spandex plant in Mercedes, Argentina, that was part of DuPont until the sale of its textile unit in 2004. HESA news update • Risks 429 Hazards news,
24 October 2009
Britain: Fears for pleural plaques action
A draft law that would reinstate compensation for workers with pleural plaques caused by asbestos exposure at work has successfully completed its third Commons reading, and has now been passed onto the House of Lords. However, hopes the private members’ bill will complete its parliamentary progress and become law are fading as the parliamentary session ends in a month, meaning the proposal is likely to run out of time. Yorkshire Evening Post • Damages (Asbestos-Related Conditions) Bill • UCATT news release
Justice for Asbestos Victims: Demonstration and lobby to restore pleural plaques compensation, assemble College Green, Houses of Parliament, Westminster, London at 1.30pm, Wednesday 28 October 2009 [Unite flyer pdf] • Risks 429 Hazards news,
24 October 2009
Britain: Delivery driver developed asbestosis
A former driver who for four years delivered asbestos products developed asbestosis, a condition normally associated with long-term, high level exposures to the fibre. The 75-year-old from Leeds, whose name has not been released, was diagnosed with the lung scarring disease in June 2008 after years of difficulty breathing. Thompsons Solicitors • Risks 427 Hazards news,
10 October 2009
Britain: Firms fined for ‘unpardonable’ asbestos job
Two companies have been prosecuted after workers and members of the public were exposed to “unacceptable” levels of asbestos during a removal project. HSE inspector Sarah Snelling the actions of a roofing company were “unpardonable” and added: “A&T Roofing Ltd’s cavalier attitude towards the removal of the asbestos has put the future health of their employees, their employees’ families and members of the public in general at serious risk.” HSE news release • Daily Mirror • Local London • Risks 427 Hazards news,
10 October 2009
Britain: Asbestos lurked in teacher's cupboard
A former Eastbourne school teacher died of cancer likely to have been caused by asbestos in the classroom, an inquest has found. Coroner Alan Craze concluded that although no asbestos fibres were found in an initial examination of a tissue sample taken from one of Neville Beck's lungs, “on a balance of probability” Mr Beck had “an industrial disease.” Eastbourne Herald • Risks 426 Hazards
4 October 2009
Britain: Widow denied asbestos compensation
The widow of a man who spent 44 years working with asbestos has missed out on a potential £200,000 payout. Dinah Eaves is not eligible for the money because the firm her husband David worked for was taken over after he was exposed to the deadly dust. Bristol Evening Post • Daily Mirror • Risks 426 Hazards news,
4 October 2009
Britain: Asbestos victim’s video legacy
A man who died from asbestos cancer has left a campaigning legacy. Alan Clark from Hartlepool died from mesothelioma in August, but before his death made a video plea to the government, urging it to restore compensation to pleural plaques sufferers.
Thompsons Solicitors news release • Unions Together • Hartlepool Mail • Northern Echo • Risks 425 Hazards news, 26 September 2009
Britain: Asbestos kills more than roads – confirmed
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has confirmed that more people are killed by asbestos each year than die on Britain’s roads, but has criticised a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) radio advertisement for not making clear the HSE asbestos deaths figure – 4,000 deaths a year - is in part an estimate. HSE expressed its “deep disappointment” at the ASA adjudication, where it upheld the solitary complaint about its ‘Asbestos: The hidden killer’ awareness campaign. ASA adjudication • HSE news release and Hidden killer campaign • TUC news release •Risks 425 Hazards news, 26 September 2009
Britain: Woman killed by father's dusty overalls
A 66-year-old Swindon woman died as a result of exposure to her father’s asbestos-contaminated overalls as a child. Recording a narrative verdict into the death of Anita Peters, Wiltshire coroner David Ridley said: “Anita, in a balance of probability, was most likely to be involved in asbestos exposure down to her father’s contact with asbestos. Anita’s death was caused by industrial disease mesothelioma.” Wiltshire Times • Risks 423 Hazards news,
12 September 2009
Britain: Fines for unlicensed asbestos removal
Three contractors who carried out unlicensed asbestos removal at Kelford School in Rotherham in 2006 have been fined. Mansell Build Ltd (previously Birse Build Ltd) of Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire, was fined £12,500 and ordered to pay £12,500 costs. Andrew Brightmore, a former manager of ARB Agriplant Ltd, was fined £2,500 and ordered to pay £500 costs and Gary Cusack was fined £500 and ordered to pay £250 costs. HSE news release and hidden killer campaign webpages • Risks 423 Hazards news,
12 September 2009
Canada: Asbestos industry in failing health
The future of Canada’s last asbestos mine is uncertain after it received a series of serious political and economic knocks. Michael Ignatieff, leader of the opposition Liberal Party, has switched from his party’s long held position and expressed opposition to any future mining or export of asbestos. Vancouver Sun • La Tribune • International Ban Asbestos Secretariat Hazards news, 5 September 2009
Britain: Directors told to pay asbestos compensation
Company directors who pocketed the assets when they closed a company have been ordered to pay an asbestos disease settlement from their own pockets. The former bosses of Stalybridge engineering firm Vernon & Roberts will have to hand over £60,000 to the widow of Frederick Hughes, who died of mesothelioma in 2001 after being exposed to asbestos working for the firm in the 1960s. Manchester Evening News Hazards news, 5 September 2009
Australia: Ex-Hardie directors get business ban
The fines and bans handed down to former executives and directors of Australian asbestos giant James Hardie are not enough considering the extent of their immoral and illegal behaviour and the harm the company’s deadly asbestos products have caused, unions have said. ACTU news release • Unions NSW news release • News.com.au • The Australian • Perth Now • Risks 421 Hazards news, 29 August 2009
Britain: Dad’s overalls killed his daughter
A widower whose wife died from an asbestos related cancer caused by dust on her father’s overalls has received a “substantial” sum in compensation. June Probin died aged just 67 from mesothelioma in April 2008, just six months after being diagnosed. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Risks 421 Hazards news, 29 August 2009
Britain: Daughter fights asbestos cancer
A woman who is fighting for her life fears that childhood hugs from her dad may have given her a deadly asbestos cancer. Judith Tomlinson loved nothing more than giving her dad Roland Adcock, a former construction worker, a hug when he came home from work. Coventry Telegraph • Risks 421 Hazards news, 29 August 2009
Britain: Asbestos ‘snowballs’ killed train driver
The widow of a former train driver who died from an asbestos-related cancer has described how her husband used to make snowballs from the deadly fibre. Frank White was diagnosed with mesothelioma in April 2008 and died, aged 74, in June this year. Derby Telegraph • Risks 421 Hazards news, 29 August 2009
Britain: Unions push for pleural plaques progress
Unions Together has launched a petition calling on the government to sort out compensation for those suffering from pleural plaques. The organisation, the campaigning arm of the Trade Unions and Labour Party Liaison Organisation (TULO), says workers found to have plaques are more likely to subsequently develop asbestos-related cancer.
Sign the Unions Together Justice for pleural plaques petition • Risks 420 Hazards news, 22 August 2009
Britain: Canadian firm fined for asbestos crimes
A Canadian company has been fined for placing employees and contractors at risk from asbestos at its Swansea plant. Vale Inco Europe Ltd pleaded guilty in June to four charges under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. HSE news release and hidden killers campaign • Risks 419 Hazards news,
15 August 2009
Britain: Dying plasterer warns of asbestos dangers
A self-employed plasterer who has just months to live is warning others of the risks of exposure to asbestos. The 48-year-old from Houghton Le Spring was diagnosed with the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma in October 2008 as a resultof being exposed to asbestos as a 16-year-old apprentice with building company GM Pearson Limited, working on council house renovations across the north-east of England. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Risks 419 Hazards news, 15 August 2009
Britain: Nuclear worker compensated for mesothelioma
A former nuclear power plant worker who has been told he has just months to live has received £177,000 in compensation after he was diagnosed with an asbestos related disease. The former assistant scientist employed by Sellafield Ltd, who does not wish to be named, was exposed to asbestos while working at the Capenhurst nuclear site. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Risks 418 Hazards news,
8 August 2009
Britain: Widower gets payout for double tragedy
A widower who saw his wife die from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma has received compensation from his former employer after he was also diagnosed with an asbestos related disease. David Warnes, 71, from Leeds, cared for his wife, Maureen, during her painful eight month battle with mesothelioma. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Risks 418 Hazards news,
8 August 2009
Italy: Bosses face trial over asbestos deaths
An Italian judge last week ordered top bosses of a construction multinational to stand trial on charges relating to thousands of asbestos-related deaths. Prosecutors say Stephan Schmidheiny of Switzerland and Jean-Louis de Cartier of Belgium were key shareholders in Eternit, a Swiss construction company. Asbestos in the dock campaign and news release • Business Week • MSNBC News • Risks 417 Hazards news,
1 August 2009
Britain: Family warning on asbestos ignorance
The family of a joiner who died of an asbestos cancer have warned employers that the deaths will continue unless workers are made aware of the risks. Public sector union UNISON helped John Toker claim compensation when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in March 2008. UNISON news release • Risks 417 Hazards news, 1 August 2009
Britain: Government hints at asbestos action
Anticipated decisions on asbestos compensation, research and insurance issues failed to materialise before parliament started its summer break this week, but Cabinet minister Jack Straw did indicate the government still intends to act. TUC news release • Thompsons Solicitors news release • Daily Mirror • Risks 416 Hazards news,
25 July 2009
Britain: Asbestos victims express delay dismay
A coalition of groups representing victims of asbestos disease have expressed dismay at the government’s failure to make firm commitments on key asbestos compensation issues. Tony Whitston, chair of the Asbestos Forum, criticised the government for prolonging asbestos victims’ wait for justice. Asbestos Forum news release • Risks 416 Hazards news,
25 July 2009
USA: Pleural plaques do hurt you
While insurers and government advisers seem adamant pleural plaques don’t hurt you, a top US lung disease expert says he has evidence they can be a source of excruciating pain. Michael Harbut says a probable reason for the unrelenting chest pain experienced in certain patients with asbestos-related diseases and cancers is pleural plaques – lung-scarring commonly associated with exposure to asbestos. Karmanos Cancer Institute news release • UCATT news release • Karmonos Institute • IJOEH • Risks 416 Hazards news,
25 July 2009
Britain: Asbestos stealth tests in schools
Campaigners are to carry out secret tests on dozens of English schools this summer to highlight the threat of asbestos which, they claim, is a serious threat to the health of pupils and teachers. The Independent • Asbestos in Schools website • Risks 416 Hazards news,
25 July 2009
Britain: Asbestos takes husband and carer
A Parkinson's disease sufferer, who was robbed of her husband's care by his untimely death from asbestos-related cancer, has received a six figure payout. Carol Devoy, 65, has been awarded £500,726 damages for her loss. Northern Echo • Sunderland Echo • Risks 416 Hazards news, 25 July 2009
Britain: Hospital work led to deadly exposures
A hospital plumber, who has been told he has only months to live after developing mesothelioma, has received £175,000 in compensation. UNISON member Alan Ward pursue an 18-month claim against Yorkshire and Humber Strategic Health Authority when he developed the asbestos-related cancer. UNISON news release • BBC News Online • Risks 416 Hazards news. 25 July 2009
Britain: Council fined over asbestos disturbance
Fife Council has been fined £10,000 after 12 flats had to be evacuated when contractors disturbed brown asbestos while replacing water tanks. Contractors moved the brown asbestos at a block of flats in Inverkeithing in November 2007. HSE news release and asbestos ‘hidden killer’ campaign website • BBC News Online • Risks 415 Hazards news, 18 July 2009
Britain: Call for 'urgent' asbestos audit
A top safety body’s call for urgent action on asbestos in schools has been welcomed by teaching unions. Sixteen teachers die on average each year from asbestos-related disease and an urgent audit must be carried out, according to the British Safety Council. BSC news release • NUT news release • BBC News Online • Risks 414 Hazards news,
11 July 2009
Britain: Payouts for asbestos related lung cancers
The most common work-related cancer is lung cancer – but cases are rarely compensated because doctors miss the work link or blame other possible causes like lung cancer. In fact, thousands – and possibly tens of thousands – of cases of lung cancer each year are part or entirely due to workplace exposures. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Field Fisher Waterhouse news release • Risks 412 Hazards news,
27 June 2009
Britain: Unions fight for asbestos victims
Unions continue to fight for justice for the victims of asbestos diseases and their families. UNISON news release • Thompsons Solicitors news release on the Unite asbestosis and mesothelioma cases • Risks 412 Hazards news,
27 June 2009
Britain: Asbestos victims expose insurance ‘disgrace’
Asbestos victims, their families and workplace justice campaigners have taken their campaign for justice to a major insurance industry event. Protesters greeted industry representatives attending the Association of British Insurers (ABI) conference in London on 9 June, calling for a change to employers’ liability insurance rules to provide for an insurance fund of last resort, where the insurer holding an employer’s policy cannot be identified. Unite news report • Irwin Mitchell Solicitors news release • Daily Mirror • Asbestos Forum • Risks 410 Hazards news,
13 June 2009
Britain: Chimney firm pays out to asbestos victim
A Unite member who is suffering from asbestos related cancer has received a “substantial” compensation payout. Graham Dancer, 63, from Barnstaple, was diagnosed in 2007 with the incurable cancer mesothelioma, caused by exposure to asbestos while working from 1969 for Selkirk Flue Limited, now owned by Powrmatic. Thompsons Solicitors news release • North Devon Gazette • Risks 410 Hazards news,
13 June 2009
Global: Pleural plaques linked to lung cancer
One in eight patients with lung cancer also had pleural plaques, a study has found. The Japanese study comes at a time the insurance industry is challenging moves to compensate pleural plaques in Scotland and across Britain. The Yomiuri Shimbun • Risks 409 Hazards news,
6 June 2009
Britain: Asbestos danger message driven home
Residents and maintenance workers are at risk from asbestos because of “huge deficiencies” in the rules covering the management of asbestos in people’s homes. UCATT general secretary Alan Ritchie commented: “The report demonstrates that new regulations are urgently needed in order to ensure that construction workers undertaking maintenance and refurbishment work are properly protected.” UCATT news release • IDS news release • Morning Star • Risks 409 Hazards news,
6 June 2009
Global: World Bank says avoid asbestos
The World Bank, which finances massive building projects across the globe, has said asbestos-containing materials (ACM) “should be avoided in new construction, including construction for disaster relief. In reconstruction, demolition, and removal of damaged infrastructure, asbestos hazards should be identified and a risk management plan adopted that includes disposal techniques and end-of-life sites.” BWI news report • World Bank asbestos good practice guide [pdf] • Risks 407 Hazards news, 23 May 2009
Britain: PM urged to act on asbestos deaths
A petition with over 24,000 signatures has been handed into 10 Downing Street calling on the government to fund a National Centre for Asbestos Related Disease (NCARD). Campaigners are fighting for a virtual centre to help fund research into asbestos related diseases including mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Shields Gazette • Risks 407 Hazards news,
23 May 2009
Britain: Family lost dad to asbestos cancer
The family of a former Unite member who died of an asbestos-related disease has received “substantial” damages. John Squirrell received the compensation on behalf of his dad, widower Noel Squirrell, who died from the cancer mesothelioma in September 2007. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Risks 407 Hazards news,
23 May 2009
USA: WR Grace escapes justice on asbestos crimes
A federal jury in Montana has acquitted chemical giant WR Grace and Company and three of its former executives of knowingly exposing mine workers and residents of Libby, Montana, to asbestos and then covering up their actions. The verdict has was greeted with disappointment in Libby, where residents had already seen to their increasing dismay a hostile judge repeatedly attack prosecutors and rule inadmissible key evidence of WR Grace’s culpability. Andrew Schneider Investigates • Democracy Now! • The Pump Handle • Risks 406 Hazards news, 6 May 2009
Britain: Call to tackle asbestos in schools
Teaching unions have renewed their call on the government to remove asbestos from schools when they are refurbished under the Building Schools for the Future programme. The call came in private meeting with Gordon Brown this week. The Guardian • Western Mail • Asbestos in Schools website • Risks 406 Hazards news,
16 May 2009
Britain: Unions welcome pleural plaques progress
Unions have welcomed the fact a Private Members Bill, which is seeking justice for pleural plaques sufferers, has cleared its first Commons hurdle. UCATT release • Risks 404 Hazards news,
2 May 2009
Canada: Government lies and evasion on asbestos
The Canadian government sat for more than a year on a report by a panel of hand-picked international experts that concludes there is a “strong relationship” between lung cancer and the chrysotile asbestos mined in Canada. Globe and Mail • Ottawa Citizen • ICEM news report
A copy of the report, Chrysotile asbestos consensus statement and summary, by the Chrysotile Asbestos Expert Panel, can be downloaded from the Rideau Institute website [pdf] • Rideau Institute ‘Exporting harm’ report [pdf] • Risks 403 Hazards news,
25 April 2009
Britain: Doctor develops asbestos cancer
A hospital doctor believes he may be the latest victim of an asbestos cancer. James Partridge, writing in the Guardian, commented: “I was a doctor for 40 years - it was an interesting and rewarding occupation, and it never crossed my mind that while I was making people better, the hospital could actually be making me ill.” The Guardian • Risks 403 Hazards news,
25 April 2009
Britain: Firm fined £5,000 over asbestos risk
A firm has been fined £5,000 after it put a worker at risk of exposure to asbestos by failing to adhere to health and safety regulations. Mitie Property Services was carrying out a week long job at a property in September 2007, which included the removal of 13 asbestos-lined doors. Norwich Evening News • Risks 403 Hazards news,
25 April 2009
Britain: Union slams ‘grasping’ asbestos insurers
Construction union UCATT has reacted furiously to the decision of several large insurance companies to try to block compensation for pleural plaques victims in Scotland. In March, the Scottish parliament passed an asbestos damages act, which allowed pleural plaques victims in Scotland the opportunity to claim compensation for the condition. ABI news release • UCATT news release • Risks 403 Hazards news,
25 April 2009
Britain: Director told staff to rip out asbestos
Staff at a Telford firm were ordered by their boss to rip out asbestos with a crowbar and clean up with a vacuum cleaner. Roger Lavender, 37, the managing director of Secal Laser Ltd, was fined £6,666 and ordered to pay £11,039.88 in court costs and a £15 surcharge after admitting a safety offence. HSE news release • Shropshire Star • Risks 402 Hazards news,
18 April 2009
Britain: Airport asbestos killed woman
A former airport worker died as a result of exposure to asbestos while working at Heathrow, an inquest heard. Marlene Elliott died aged 67 on 29 November 2008, after collapsing at home. Maidenhead Advertiser • Daily Mirror • Risks 401 Hazards news,
11 April 2009
USA: Colour images expose asbestos problems
Murky grey x-rays to identify occupational lung diseases could soon be a thing of the past, a top occupational doctor has said. And Dr Michael Harbut, an asbestos disease expert at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, says new 3-D, colour imaging technology could aid better diagnosis and better prevention. Andrew Schneider Investigates • ADAO website • Risks 400 Hazards news,
4 April 2009
Britain: PM promises pleural plaque action
Gordon Brown has promised action within weeks to help asbestos victims. At Prime Minister’s question time, he signalled compensation is on the way for people suffering from pleural plaques. Hansard, 1 April 2009 • Daily Mirror Asbestos Timebomb campaign • Risks 400 Hazards news,
4 April 2009
Britain: School asbestos exposure killed teacher
The widow of a senior teacher who died after exposure to asbestos in school science labs has been awarded £290,000 in compensation. The former chemistry teacher, who taught at the same school in East Sussex for 34 years, died from mesothelioma in September 2007, aged 61, just a year after retirement. The Argus • TES • Asbestos in Schools website • HSE mesothelioma statistics including breakdown by age • Risks 400 Hazards news, 4 April 2009
Britain: Asbestos is in 90 per cent of schools
Nearly nine in 10 schools contain deadly asbestos, the Daily Mirror has claimed. The paper’s charge is based on results from freedom of information requests made to local authorities across the UK. Daily Mirror asbestos campaign blog • Risks 398 Hazards news,
21 March 2009
Britain: Scots asbestos payout law passed
Legislation to allow people in Scotland to claim for past exposure to asbestos has been passed by MSPs. The new law overturns a House of Lords ruling that said damages could not be claimed for pleural plaques, a benign scarring of the lungs. Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill [pdf] • ABI news release • BBC News Online • Daily Record • The Scotsman • Sunday Herald • Risks 397 Hazards news,
14 March 2009
USA: Contractors jailed for asbestos crimes
A federal judge sentenced two contractors to prison for undertaking asbestos removal jobs that left homes and businesses contaminated. US district judge David Hurd sentenced John Wood of Plattsburgh to four years in prison and Curtis Collins of Willsboro to two years after they pleaded guilty to Clean Air Act violations and other crimes related to asbestos removal jobs that left much of the cancer-causing material behind. WTEN news Hazards news,
21 February 2009
Britain: HSE asbestos enforcement on 1-in-5 sites
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued asbestos-related improvement notices to 22 per cent of sites visited in a Kent inspection blitz. Inspectors visited 151 sites in Thanet, Cantebury, Dartford and Dover, and issued 33 improvement notices and two prohibition notices. HSE news release • Contract Journal • HSE asbestos – hidden killer campaign • Risks 394 Hazards news, 21 February 2009
Britain: Government fixes T&N payouts injustice
Workers with asbestos related diseases caused by their jobs at Turner and Newall (T&N) – once the world’s biggest asbestos firm - will be allowed to keep government compensation alongside that reduced payouts from the company, the government has said. Workers had been subject to a clawback of government industrial disease benefits, even though they only received a fraction of the compensation they were due from the defunct company. DWP news release • TUC news release • Unite news release • Wigan Evening Post • Risks 394 Hazards news,
21 February 2009
Britain: Schools to get asbestos audit
A teaching union has welcomed a government decision to assess the asbestos risk in schools. Commenting on the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) launch of its asbestos survey for local authorities, Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, said: “The DCSF initiative will result in a comprehensive audit of the scale of the presence of asbestos in schools.” Survey of asbestos management in schools and other settings, DCSF, 29 January 2009 • NASUWT news release • Risks 392 Hazards news,
7 February 2009
Britain: Cleaning work clothes caused asbestos cancer
A Blackpool grandmother who was exposed to asbestos while working as a dry cleaner has died of a cancer caused by the deadly fibre. Freda Davidson died from mesothelioma on 3 December last year. Blackpool Gazette • Risks 392 Hazards news,
7 February 2009
Britain: Low asbestos fine “no deterrent” - HSE
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector has said he is “devastated” that a heating firm responsible for negligently exposing workers to asbestos for several days was only fined £8,000. HSE principal construction inspector Jim Skilling said the penalty given to Lothian Heating Services Ltd (LHS) after three workers were exposed was “no deterrent at all”. Edinburgh Evening News • The Scotsman • BBC News Online • Risks 391 Hazards news, 31 January 2009
Britain: Asbestos death payout on the deadline
A widow and her children have received compensation for an asbestos-related death after applying one day before the three-year deadline. UNISON helped recover £170,000 for the family of Roger Blackman, who died from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma five weeks after he was diagnosed. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Risks 391 Hazards news,
31 January 2009
Britain: Dockworkers win asbestos test case
Two former Liverpool dockworkers have won compensation from the government for asbestos-related diseases contracted under the auspices of the then National Dock Labour Board (NDLB). John Pickering and Partners news release and full judgment • BBC News Online • Risks 388 Hazards news,
10 January 2009
Australia: Groundbreaking asbestos project takes off
In what they describe as “a first of its kind”, the Australian Workers' Union and construction materials giant Cement Australia have embarked on an investigation into the health of current and former employees at a cement plant that once produced asbestos cement products. Some of Australia's top researchers will look at health screening, the history of the plant and research into the wellbeing of the workforce over time. AWU news release • AWU Tasmania news release • Risks 387 Hazards news,
20 December 2008
Britain: Concern at silence on pleural plaques
A construction union is urging the government to act promptly to sort out compensation for the victims of an asbestos related condition. UCATT says it is concerned at the Ministry of Justice’s failure to take action on pleural plaques, a scarring of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos. UCATT news release • The Mirror • Risks 387 Hazards news,
20 December 2008
Britain: Fines for staff asbestos exposures
A Kilkcaldy leisure firm and its director have been fined after at least 15 tradespeople were exposed to airborne asbestos fibres over almost two months. Edward Dean Melville, a director of the company, allowed work to continue on the project despite concerns being raised by workers about the possible presence of asbestos within the building - work was finally stopped by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after they were contacted directly by one of the site workers. HSE news release • HSE hidden killer campaign • Risks 386 Hazards news,
13 December 2008
Britain: Wife killed by asbestos-covered laundry
A pensioner has been awarded £250,000 compensation after his wife died following years of washing his asbestos-contaminated clothes. Retired pipefitter Alfred Eccles received the money from former employer Universal Grinding Wheel Company, in Stafford, in an out-of-court settlement. Ashton Morton Slack news release • The Seninel • Risks 386 Hazards news,
13 December 2008
Britain: India’s asbestos timebomb photo exhibit, 1-5 December, London
A photo exhibit revealing the asbestos timebomb facing India as a result of massive and increasing imports of white asbestos opens at the TUC’s London HQ on 1 December.
Further information: India’s asbestos timebomb photo exhibit, 9.30am - 7.00pm, 1-5 December, TUC, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS. Free. For more information on the photo exhibit, contact Eve Barker, tel: 0207 485 0476.
See the book behind the exhibit, India’s asbestos timebomb [pdf] • Risks 384 Hazards news,
29 December 2008
Britain: Widow receives six figure meso payout
The widow of a UNISON member who died of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma has received £276,000 in damages. The member, who has not been named, was exposed to the dust while working for WL Miller and Sons, a food manufacturer, based in Poole, Dorset. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Risks 384 Hazards news,
29 December 2008
Britain: Union victory on asbestos payouts
A union-backed legal case has successfully defended the rights of asbestos victims from an insurance industry attempt to evade liability. The High Court ruled that employers’ liability insurers remain liable to pay compensation for mesothelioma caused by workplace exposure to asbestos if they insured the employer at the time the asbestos exposure occurred. Unite news release • UCATT news release • Thompsons Solicitors news release • Irwin Mitchell Solicitors news release • The Times • The Mirror • BBC News Online • Risks 384 Hazards news,
29 December 2008
Britain: Widow receives £172,000 asbestos payout
The widow of a former electrician has been awarded £172,000 in compensation after her husband died of an asbestos related cancer. The former electrician, whose identity has not been disclosed, was exposed to asbestos while working for Greater London Council (GLC) and the Inner London Education Authority (ILEA) from 1966 until the late 1980s. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Risks 382 15 November 2008
Britain: Lift worker gets cancer payout
A GMB member diagnosed with the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma has received £140,000 in compensation. The man from Derbyshire, who does not wish to be named, installed lifts in hospitals, factories and commercial premises and worked alongside other trades who used asbestos based materials. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Risks 383 Hazards news 22 November 2008
Britain: Groups call for asbestos database
Campaigners have called for a nationwide survey of all public buildings amid concerns that growing numbers of teachers, doctors and nurses are dying from asbestos-related diseases. Unions and support groups also want a national database so that employees and the public can check how much asbestos their workplaces contain. The Independent • BBC News Online • Risks 381 Hazards news, 8 November 2008
Britain: Forklift fall leads to fine
A Halifax company has been fined £10,000 after an employee fell from the raised forks of a forklift truck while transferring waste to a skip at the company's premises. Lynwood Products Ltd was also ordered to pay full costs of £2,089.50 at Halifax Magistrates Court after pleading guilty a safety offence. HSE news release • Risks 381 Hazards news, 8 November 2008
Britain: Polish worker in machine horror
A food firm has been fined £30,000 after a Polish worker lost a finger after being told to help clean a machine with which she was unfamiliar. Natures Way Foods Ltd received the fine at Chichester Crown Court and was also ordered to pay costs of £16,282 after earlier pleading guilty to breaches of the management and the work equipment regulations. HSE news release and food manufacturing webpages • Risks 381 Hazards news, 8 November 2008
Britain: Protest at plaques lawyer award nomination
Union representatives and asbestos and safety campaigners protested outside a Café Royal award ceremony, where a lawyer was nominated for an award for his work in blocking compensation to those with pleural plaques, an asbestos related lung scarring. GMB news release • Personal Injury Awards 2008 shortlist • The Telegraph • Risks 381 Hazards news,
8 November 2008
Britain: Unions call for more asbestos protection
Unions have called for greater efforts to protect workers from asbestos. Construction union UCATT said asbestos could be killing up to 10,000 people a year, far in excess of official Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates. HSE puts the figure at 4,000 – an estimate that has been disputed by both unions and occupational cancer experts - and suggests the material kills on average six electricians, three plumbers, six joiners and five other workers every week. HSE news release and hidden killer campaign • Risks 380 Hazards news, 1 November 2008
Britain: Unions lobby for pleural plaques payouts
Hundreds of union members descended on Westminster on 28 October to lobby parliament for justice for asbestos victims and the restoration of compensation for victims of pleural plaques. Unite, UCATT and GMB believe thousands of “seriously wronged” workers have been plunged into compensation limbo by a House of Lords decision in October 2007, which ended the right of those with asbestos-related pleural plaques to receive compensation. Unite news release • GMB news release • The Scotsman • The Herald • Telegraph and Argus • Risks 380 Hazards news, 1 November 2008
Canada: Asbestos ‘death-dealing charade’ slammed
Canada’s federal government is being accused of the “shameful political manipulation of science”. Three medical journals are blasting prime minister Stephen Harper's government for “suppressing” a Health Canada report on the health dangers posed by asbestos and supporting exports of asbestos to developing countries.
Amir Attaran, David R Boyd, and Matthew B Stanbrook. Asbestos mortality: a Canadian export, Canadian Medical Association Journal, volume 179, pages 871-872, 2008 • Related CMAJ news item • National Post • Globe and Mail • Risks 379 Hazards news, 25 October 2008
Britain: Asbestos ‘hidden killer’ campaign push
The Health and Safety Executive has warned that “every week 20 tradesmen die from asbestos-related diseases,” and this number is set to rise. Former plasterer and England and Arsenal footballing legend, Ian Wright, is the “ambassador” fronting HSE’s ‘Asbestos: The Hidden Killer’ campaign. HSE news release and hidden killer campaign • Podcasts featuring former footballer Ian Wright and HSE chair Judith Hackitt • Daily Mirror •
For a free asbestos information pack, call 0845 345 0055 • Risks 379 Hazards news,
25 October 2008
Britain: Justice committee backs plaques payouts
Scottish victims of an asbestos-related condition have received the support of an influential body of MSPs in their fight for compensation. People with pleural plaques – a scarring on the lungs that is benign, but is associated with an increased future risks of developing the asbestos cancer mesothelioma - should be able to claim damages, the Scottish parliament's Justice Committee has recommended. Scottish Parliament Justice Committee news release • Damages (Asbestos-related conditions) (Scotland) Bill webpage and Committee report • IOSH news report • Risks 378 Hazards news, 18 October 2009
Britain: Housing chief ‘must go’ after asbestos scandal
Construction union UCATT has called for the sacking of the managing director of Carlisle Housing Association, after it was revealed that its workers and tenants had been needlessly exposed to asbestos. UCATT news release • BBC Inside Out’s asbestos report [video] • Risks 378 Hazards news,
18 October 2009
Britain: Victims ‘shocked’ at flawed meso scheme
A new government scheme to pay a lump sum to all mesothelioma sufferers, irrespective of occupational exposure, could leave many asbestos disease victims out of pocket. The scheme, which came into effect on 1 October, had been sought by campaigners to ensure all those with the asbestos cancer mesothelioma received payouts. Asbestos Forum news release [pdf] • DWP news release • Rochdale Observer • Risks 377 Hazards news, 11 October 2009
Britain: Childhood exposure caused fatal cancer
The family of a UNISON member who died as a result of being exposed to asbestos as a child has received a “substantial” compensation payout. George Dickerson developed the asbestos cancer mesothelioma as a consequence of playing in dust which blew out of the Cape asbestos factory in Barking, east London. Thompsons Solicitors news release • Risks 377 Hazards news,
11 October 2009
Australia:
Hardie 'set out to mislead investors'
Former directors and executives of Australian building giant James Hardie
issued inaccurate, misleading and deficient public announcements about
the company's ability to compensate asbestos victims, the country’s
corporate regulator has claimed. The Australian Securities and Investments
Commission this week launched its assault on former Hardie directors and
executives in the NSW Supreme Court, which was overflowing with dozens
of asbestos victims and their supporters. The
Australian plus follow
up story • Sydney
Morning Herald • Risks
376 Hazards news, 4 October 2008
Britain: Director
banned for asbestos crimes
A company director has been banned from running a firm for four years
after removing and transporting asbestos without a licence. Robert McCart
must also pay over £44,000 in fines, costs and compensation after
being prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment
Agency (EA). HSE
news release and asbestos
licensing webpages• Risks
376 Hazards news, 4 October 2008
Britain: Unions
united on pleural plaques
Unions have taken a common line on pleural plaques compensation –
the condition is caused by asbestos and caused by employer negligence,
so should be compensated. Risks
376 Hazards news, 4 October 2008
Britain:
End asbestos ‘compensation limbo’
Thousands of people with a condition caused by exposure to asbestos during
their working lives are stuck in 'compensation limbo' as a result of a
House of Lords ruling on negligence, according to the union Unite. It
wants the government to overturn a disastrous 2007 Law Lords’ ruling
to end a 20 year right for pleural plaques victims to receive compensation.
Unite
news release • Unite
submission • Thompsons
Solicitors news release • Association of Personal Injuries
Lawyers news release [pdf]
• Risks
376 Hazards news, 4 October 2008
India:
‘Devastating’ asbestos cancer epidemic looms
Record and rising asbestos imports to India will translate to thousands
of asbestos-related cancer deaths each year and are already responsible
for “a hidden epidemic,” according to an expert report published
this week. The authors say the report exposes the Indian government's
collusion with asbestos stakeholders at home and abroad, and call for
an immediate national ban on all asbestos use. IBAS
news release • India's asbestos
time bomb, September 2008 [pdf]
• Risks
375 Hazards news, 27 September 2008
Britain: Teenage
exposure caused asbestos tragedy
A Greater Manchester family has obtained £205,000 in compensation
after their dad was exposed to asbestos as a teenager. The granddad-of-seven,
whose name has not been released, died of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma
following exposure to the dangerous dust while working during the 1950s
for a company which became part of British Telecom (BT).
Risks 375 Hazards news, 27 September 2008
Britain: Asbestos
victims targeted by ‘greedy’ insurers
A “greedy scheming” insurance industry is plotting to deny
asbestos victims their rightful compensation, according to UCATT. Risks
375 Hazards news, 27 September 2008
Britain: Council
guilty after school asbestos blunder
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning employers they must ensure
all relevant employees are aware of the location of asbestos in the workplace
after a school caretaker was exposed to hazardous dust. North Tyneside
Council this week pleaded guilty to five breaches of the asbestos regulations
and was fined £17,005 and ordered to pay £3,911 costs. HSE
news release and asbestos
webpages • Risks
373 Hazards, 13 September 2008
Britain: Insurers
face further asbestos flak
An insurance industry bid to block a proposed Scottish law which would
reinstate the right to claim compensation for an asbestos-related condition
has attracted further criticism. Construction union UCATT has added its
condemnation of statements by insurers in their efforts to evade payouts
for pleural plaques, shadows on the lung caused by asbestos exposure.
Scottish parliament Justice Committee’s Damages
(Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill webpage
• Risks
373 Hazards, 13 September 2008
Britain: Councils
must learn asbestos lessons
Construction union UCATT has warned local authorities they must not weaken
their asbestos removal procedures, in the wake of problems experienced
at a Doncaster firm. St Leger Homes has disciplined a number of managers
and suspended its chief executive after it was discovered that contractors
had been disturbing and removing asbestos without being trained and without
protective equipment. Risks
373 Hazards, 13 September 2008
Britain: End ‘insensitive’
treatment of meso families
Campaigners are calling for more considerate treatment for families bereaved
by the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. The British Lung Foundation (BLF)
says it has been approached by a number of families who have been treated
“insensitively”. BLF
news release • Sign
the BLF petition to the Prime Minister • Risks
372 Hazards news, 6 September 2008
Britain: No-one is
safe from asbestos
The recent mesothelioma deaths of a plumber’s wife, a TV producer,
an office worker and a railway worker demonstrates how no-one can be considered
entirely safe from asbestos. Risks
372 Hazards news, 6 September 2008
Britain: Leigh, 28, succumbs
to asbestos cancer
The asbestos cancer mesothelioma has claimed the life of Leigh Carlisle,
28. Leigh, who was featured in a global Zero Occupational Cancer Campaign
poster, died in hospital on 27 August, two years after being diagnosed
with the incurable condition. Zero
Occupational Cancer Campaign website and poster
• Risks
372 Hazards news, 6 September 2008
Britain:
Asbestos condition ‘is a good thing’ outrage
The trade union Unite has accused the insurance industry of fighting a
“virulent” campaign against recognition of the asbestos-related
condition pleural plaques. Insurance lawyers and MSPs clashed at a Scottish
parliament Justice Committee evidence session over an insurance industry
expert’s claim that pleural plaques could be a “good thing”
because they proved the body's defences were working.
Scottish Parliament Justice
Committee Official Report, 2 September 2008 • The Herald on
the union
criticism and lawyer
attack • Risks
372 Hazards news, 6 September 2008
Britain: The asbestos
industry’s deadly lies
The deaths of tens of thousands of UK workers from asbestos disease was
not an unanticipated tragedy, but resulted from a sophisticated political
and public relations campaign to prolong the use of the deadly fibre.
New
Statesman • Risks
371 Hazards news, 30 August 2008
Britain: Angry asbestos
activists doorstep ministers
Asbestos activists have taken their campaign for justice for workers with
pleural plaques directly to the seats of two prominent Cabinet ministers.
The two constituencies targeted on 29 August were the Blackburn seat of
justice secretary Jack Straw and the Leeds Central constituency of environment
secretary Hilary Benn.
UCATT news releases on the actions at Hilary
Benn’s and Jack
Straw’s constituencies. Building • Risks
371 Hazards news, 30 August 2008
Canada:
How to kill a UN convention
It's not every day that Canada gets to kill a UN convention. Writing in
the Toronto Star, one of Canada’s most respected newspapers, Kathleen
Ruff reveals that with the Rotterdam Convention, which controls trade
in the world's most hazardous chemicals and pesticides, Canada is coming
close to achieving this result.
Toronto Star article
by Kathleen Ruff and editorial
backing a ban and just transition•
Rightoncanada.ca• Risks
370 Hazards news, 23 August 2008
Britain: Asbestos
cancers lead to six figure payouts
An asbestos cancer widow and a worker diagnosed with the same incurable
disease have both received £190,000 payouts. Risks
370 Hazards news, 23 August 2008
Canada: Asbestos
report withheld for giving wrong view
The Canadian government is continuing to withhold a damning report on
asbestos on the eve of an international conference at which Canada plans
to defend its export of the carcinogen. The report was commissioned by
the Conservative government’s Health Canada agency to support it’s
long-standing fight to keep chrysotile asbestos off a UN watch list, a
position federal officials plan to argue at a convention in Rome this
October. Risks
369 Hazards news, 16 August 2008
Global:
Asbestos lobby resorts to intimidation
The asbestos industry may be ailing, but it’s not dead yet. Asbestos
is still a money-spinner, and the industry is investing in a major promotional
drive to protect its trade in chrysotile (white asbestos) - but it is
not limiting this global campaign to product marketing, it is resorting
to threats and the courts to harass campaigners for an asbestos ban. Asbestos
threats: Global asbestos industry resorts to thugs and courts,
Hazards magazine • Risks
368 Hazards news, 9 August 2008
Britain: Teenage
exposure led to asbestos death
The family of a man who died from an asbestos related disease are searching
for information about the now defunct Bedfordshire business Porch Watt
Development Limited, where he was exposed to the deadly fibre. Leigh Boniface
from Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire died aged 48 from the asbestos cancer
mesothelioma. If you have any information about Porch Watt
Development Limited, emailGill
Owen or call on 0161 819 3500 • Risks
367 Hazards news, 2 August 2008
Britain:
Probe into ‘dangerous’ housing association
An official investigation has been launched into union claims that a housing
association flouted rules on handling deadly asbestos. William Whalen,
an official with the construction union UCATT, presented a petition at
a drama filled meeting of Carlisle City Council calling for Carlisle Housing
Association to be wound up and its 6,140 homes handed back to the council.
Risks
366 Hazards news, 26 July 2008
Global:
Asbestos industry resorts to threats
A top asbestos campaigner in France is facing libel action from an industry
lobby group. Unions have vowed to support François Desriaux, a
driving force behind the French asbestos victim support group Andeva who
is facing libel charges brought by the Montreal-based Chrysotile Institute.
ETUI-HESA
news release • Andeva
• Risks
364 Hazards news, 12 July 2008
Britain:
Government extends meso benefits
The government has closed a loophole in the disease benefits system that
meant that people developing mesothelioma but not exposed at work missed
out. On 7 July, the House of Lords approved The Mesothelioma Lump Sum
Payments (Conditions and Amounts) Regulations 2008 that mean from 1 October
those with non-occupational mesothelioma – for example, through
exposure to contamination on a relative’s work clothing –
will be entitled to a lump sum compensation payout, in the region of £10,000
per case. House
of Lords report for 7 July 2008, Hansard • Risks
364 Hazards news, 12 July 2008
Britain: Government u-turn
hits disease sufferers
Workers developing occupational diseases could lose out as a result of
a government u-turn on retention of insurance records by employers. The
government is pressing ahead with a move to drop the requirement on firms
to keep their employers’ liability insurance records for 40 years
– despite opposition from workplace health groups, lawyers, unions
and insurers.
Asbestos Forum news release [pdf]
and briefing [pdf]
• Employers’
Liability Compulsory Insurance, EDM 2010• Has your MP
signed the EDM? If not, ask why not: you
can find out how to contact your MP here – all you need
is your postcode • Risks
364 Hazards news, 12 July 2008
Britain: Family receives asbestos payout
The family of a former UNISON member has received more than £140,000
in compensation following his death from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma.
Jim Crowe died aged 79 in June 2007 after developing the incurable disease.
UNISON
news release • Risks
362 Hazards news, 28 June 2008
USA:
New committee to push a US asbestos ban
US public health advocates have launched a Committee to Ban Asbestos in
America (CBAA). The new group, created by the Asbestos Disease Awareness
Organization (ADAO) and The John McNamara Foundation say many people wrongly
believe asbestos is already banned in the US. CBAA
news release • ADAO
website • BanAsbestos.us
• International
Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS) • Risks
360 Hazards news, 14 June 2008
Britain: Pressure
wins pleural plaques review
A government consultation into a House of Lords ruling on the asbestos-related
condition pleural plaques will begin this month. The commitment came in
an adjournment debate in parliament on 4 June, initiated by Labour MP
Michael Clapham. Thompsons
Solicitors news release • Risks
360 Hazards news, 14 June 2008
Britain:
MP savages insurance industry jackals
Insurers have been accused of being hypocrites and “jackals”
because of their ongoing efforts to evade liability for asbestos compensation
payouts. Labour MP Michael Clapham, the chair of the Commons all party
asbestos sub-committee, was speaking in a 4 June Westminster Hall adjournment
debate about the ongoing fight to restore compensation to victims of pleural
plaques. UCATT
news release • Hansard
report of the 4 June Westminster Hall debate • Risks
360 Hazards news, 14 June 2008
Britain:
Court challenge to cancer payouts
A nine-week battle started this week in the High Court and will see insurance
companies seek to evade liability for a large number of asbestos compensation
payouts. The court will decide whether insurers are liable for damages
from sufferers’ first exposure to asbestos, or from when they become
ill. Unite
news release • The
Guardian • BBC
News Online • The
Times • Risks
359 Hazards news, 7 June 2008
Canada: Pro-asbestos
lobby gets caught out
Canada’s pro-asbestos lobby has faced stern criticism for wrongly
implying a long-delayed government commissioned report opposes a ban on
asbestos. Critics including the chair of the Health Canada panel of experts
that prepared the report have denounced both the delay and the misrepresentation
of their findings. CBC
News • Ottawa
Citizen • International
Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS) • Ban
Asbestos Canada • Risks
358 Hazards news, 31 May 2008
Britain: Former
nurse's shock at asbestos illness
Another former nurse has fallen victim to the asbestos cancer mesothelioma.
Diane Coote, 57, believes she was exposed to the deadly dust in her 10
years nursing at hospitals in Norwich. Norwich
Evening News • Risks
358 Hazards news, 31 May 2008
Australia: Union
launches asbestos probe
An Australian union has organised the largest asbestos survey and research
programme to ever be undertaken at a single work site in the country.
The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) says the Cement Australia site
at Railton, Tasmania, contains asbestos building products and the company’s
predecessor on the site, Goliath Cement, manufactured and distributed
asbestos-containing materials between 1947 and 1986. AWU
news release • Risks
357 Hazards news, 24 May 2008
Britain: Court
rules asbestos causes lung cancer
A High Court ruling has confirmed the lung cancer and asbestos link. Although
it has long been accepted asbestos causes lung cancer, proving the link
in court has been difficult because, unlike mesothelioma, the condition
can be caused by a wide range of other factors, including smoking. Irwin
Mitchell news release • John Shortell (executor of the estate
of John Joseph Shortell deceased and litigation friend of Eileen Shortell)
v BICAL construction Ltd (sued as successor to BIC Construction Ltd),
in the High Court of Justice (Queen’s Bench Division), Liverpool
District Registry, Case No: 7LV30059, 28 April – 1 May 2008 •
Risks
357 Hazards news, 24 May 2008
Britain: Dead at 50 from
T&N’s asbestos
A widow’s seven year wait for compensation for her husband’s
death has finally come to an end after she received a six figure payout.
The unnamed woman from Bolton received £218,000 from the trustees
of Turner and Newall (T&N). Thompsons
Solicitors news release • Risks
357 Hazards news, 24 May 2008
Britain: Energy
worker gets cancer payout
A retired power station worker has received £120,000 in compensation
after developing an incurable asbestos cancer. Lionel Waldridge, 78, from
Ipswich, was awarded the damages from energy firm E.ON Plc after he was
diagnosed with mesothelioma. Thompsons
Solicitors news release • Risks
357 Hazards news, 24 May 2008
Britain: Yet another
meso widow
The widow of a Unite member has received over £115,000 in compensation
after her husband died from the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma.
The grandmother of one, who does not wish to be named, received the damages
after her husband was exposed to asbestos while working for Young, Austen
& Young heating engineers in Sussex. Thompsons
Solicitors news release•Risks
357 Hazards news, 24 May 2008
Britain: Insurers
threaten Scots asbestos payout plans
Insurance companies have threatened legal action against the Scottish
government if it passes legislation allowing people with certain asbestos-related
health conditions but who are not seriously ill as a result to sue for
damages. The
Times • Risks
356 Hazards news, 17 May 2008
Britain: Turner
and Newall kills again
The family of a former Turner and Newall (T&N) employee has received
compensation of over £28,000 after their sister died from the lung
disease asbestosis. The unnamed 83-year-old from Cheshire developed the
disease after working at T&N’s Widnes factory for 40 years.
Thompsons
Solicitors news release • Risks
356 Hazards news, 17 May 2008
Britain: ICI did not
warn of asbestos danger
An employee of chemicals giant ICI was exposed to asbestos dust at work
for more than 20 years – but was never warned of the risks. Brian
Raw, who died of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma in October 2007, was
never given a mask or safety advice an inquest was told. Cheshire
Today • Risks
355 Hazards news, 10 May 2008
Britain: Widow gets
six figure asbestos payout
The widow of a Unite member has secured £120,000 in an out of court
compensation settlement after her husband died from the asbestos related
cancer, mesothelioma. The unnamed 71-year-old from Mold in Wales was exposed
to asbestos while working for the Metropolitan Vickers Electrical Company
in Trafford Park, Manchester, now known as AEI. Thompsons
Solicitors news release • Risks
354 Hazards news, 3 May 2008
Global: Unions
call for asbestos ban support
Global union federations representing tens of millions of workers in the
construction and metal sectors have renewed their call for a global asbestos
ban. The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) has written
to the Canadian Labour Congress appealing for help from Canadian trade
unions to end the export of Canadian chrysotile asbestos to the developing
world. BWI
news release • Canadian
asbestos: One killer export, Ban Asbestos Canada Network • Risks
353 Hazards news, 26 April 2008
Britain: Shipyard
exposures caused asbestosis
A Unite member has been awarded £20,000 in provisional damages after
exposure to asbestos in a shipyard wrecked his health. Peter Guy developed
asbestosis after being exposed to the dangerous dust while working for
Harland & Wolf shipyard during the 1960s. Thompsons
Solicitors news release • Risks
353 Hazards news, 26 April 2008
Britain: Family members
face asbestos peril
Asbestos exposure is so dangerous it is killing the family members of
workers who brought home the dust on their clothes. Evening
Post • Gazette
and Herald • Risks
352 Hazards news, 19 April 2008
Britain:
More white collar asbestos victims
A former benefits officer and a nurse are the latest workplace victims
of mesothelioma, the incurable asbestos cancer. Thompsons
news release • Irwin
Mitchell news release • Risks
352 Hazards news, 19 April 2008
Britain:
Rail worker gets asbestos payout
A former British Rail worker has been awarded £180,000 in compensation
after developing the incurable asbestos cancer mesothelioma. ASLEF member
Kenneth Chapman, 74, worked for New Southern Railway, part of British
Rail, from the 1950s until he retired in 1996 and was exposed to asbestos
while working as a fireman, boiler cleaner and train driver. Thompsons
Solicitors news release • Risks
352 Hazards news, 19 April 2008
Britain: Lung
cancer survivor gets payout
A man who developed lung cancer after being exposed to asbestos in the
workplace has been compensated by his former employers. Widower, Joseph
Douglas, 66, from Ellesmere Port has received £65,000 in damages
after he was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2004. Thompsons
Solicitors news release • Risks
351 Hazards news, 12 April 2008
Japan: Government
releases asbestos firms list
The Japanese government has grudgingly released the names of 2,167 companies
and offices around the nation where workers had received compensation
for asbestos-related illnesses. Campaigners say the list will enable those
who lived near the companies or who had family members who worked there
to get checked for diseases such as the asbestos cancer mesothelioma.
Asahi
Shimbun • Risks
350 Hazards news, 5 April 2008
Britain: MPs vow
support for meso sufferers
Members of parliament have vowed support for a campaign for better compensation
for sufferers of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. The members of the
All Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health’s
asbestos sub-committee made the promise after watching a short film calling
on the government to amend the law on government asbestos payouts. Thompsons
Solicitors news release • Risks
350 Hazards news, 5 April 2008
South Africa: Lobbyists
fail to block asbestos ban
A new law banning asbestos in South Africa took effect in late March.
Environmental affairs and tourism minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said
the regulations prohibit the use, processing, manufacturing, and import
and export of any asbestos or asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
South African government
news release and asbestos
regulations webpage • Mail
and Guardian • International
Ban Asbestos Secretariat • Risks
350 Hazards news, 5 April 2008
Britain: Experts
urge action on asbestos plaques
A panel of experts convened by construction union UCATT has advised MPs
the government should overturn the Law Lords decision blocking compensation
for pleural plaque sufferers. Top medical and legal experts addressed
a 26 March seminar held in the House of Commons to brief MPs. UCATT
news release and campaign postcard [pdf]
• UCATT
campaigns webpages • Risks
349 Hazards news, 29 March 2008
Britain: Consultation
on pleural plaques payouts
Top personal injury lawyers have welcomed a pledge by prime minister Gordon
Brown to produce a consultation paper on the plight of victims of pleural
plaques, an injury caused by exposure to asbestos. In October last year
the highest court in the UK, the House of Lords, announced that it would
not overturn a ruling of the Court of Appeal in January 2006, which now
prevents sufferers of pleural plaques from claiming compensation. Irwin
Mitchell news release • Sign
the e-petition to the prime minister calling for the reinstatement of
pleural plaques compensation • Risks
349 Hazards news, 29 March 2008
Britain: Six figure
payout for asbestos death
A Yorkshire widow has received a six-figure compensation payout after
her husband died of an asbestos cancer. Sylvia Worth, 54, was awarded
£122,000 in damages.
Thompsons Solicitors news
release • Find
your local asbestos group on the Asbestos Forum website • Risks
349 Hazards news, 29 March 2008
Britain:
Survey call after teacher’s asbestos death
Teaching union NUT has called for all schools in Wales to be checked for
asbestos after the death of a retired teacher from an asbestos cancer.
Renee Blodwen Eden, 69, from Anglesey, was most likely to have died from
exposure to asbestos in a school building, an inquest heard. Western
Mail• BBC
News Online• Risks
348 Hazards news, 22 March 2008
Global: Toxics
trade convention in jeopardy
A treaty intended to ensure the worst industrial poisons aren’t
traded globally without health and safety warnings is in jeopardy because
of lobbying by vested interests. A global alliance of environmental, labour
movement and health groups is sounding the alarm, saying “industry
interference and political sabotage by a handful of countries, led by
Canada, is strangling the Rotterdam Convention”. Rotterdam
Treaty campaign statement• RightOnCanada
asbestos webpage• Risks
347 Hazards news, 15 March 2008
Britain: Kings
College not so clever on asbestos
Kings College, Cambridge, has been prosecuted after painters were exposed
to asbestos containing materials while working at the college. It was
fined £16,000 with £14,500 costs at Cambridge Magistrates
Court after pleading guilty to eight breaches of the Control of Asbestos
Regulations 2006. HSE
news release• Risks
347 Hazards news, 15 March 2008
Britain: Clothing
company work led to cancer
A woman who was exposed to asbestos while working for a clothes factory
when she was a teenager is to receive more than £135,000 in compensation.
Pauline Cade, 65, was exposed while working as a junior clerk for Thomas
Marshall (Marlbeck) Ltd, a clothing company in Leeds that made items for
small drapers and department stores. Thompsons
Solicitors news release• Risks
347 Hazards news, 15 March 2008
Canada: Government
continues death fibre defence
Health Canada has quietly begun a study on the dangers of chrysotile,
the last remaining variety of the asbestos in widespread commercial use.
It is believed it is undertaking the research “to help further Canada’s
knowledge of chrysotile asbestos fibres in relation to human health”
– code for an effort to defend the deadly fibre from event limited
right-to-know measures on asbestos exports. ETUI-REHS
news report • Risks
345 Hazards news, 1 March 2008
Britain: Workers
unaware of asbestos dangers
Most tradespeople are unaware of the health risks linked to asbestos,
a survey has found. The British Lung Foundation said just 12 per cent
of the 399 building trades workers it questioned knew asbestos exposure
could kill them and less than a third were aware asbestos can cause cancer.
BLF
news release • Risks
345 Hazards news, 1 March 2008
Australia: Ford
pays mechanic for asbestosis
A mechanic from Perth has made Australian legal history by successfully
suing the Ford Motor Company for Aus$840,000 (£396,000) after he
proved that his job caused his asbestosis. The Supreme Court of Western
Australia ruled that Ford was responsible for the asbestosis now crippling
Antonino Lo Presti, 58, and awarded him damages. The
Australian and related
story • Risks
344 Hazards news, 23 February 2008
Britain: Trades
alerted to youth asbestos risk
Every week 20 workers in construction trades die simply because they have
breathed in asbestos fibres during the course of their work, a Health
and Safety Executive (HSE) campaign is warning. The safety watchdog says
its research shows young plumbers, electricians and other site tradespeople
know that asbestos is dangerous but just don't believe that they are personally
at risk. Risks
344 Hazards news, 23 February 2008
Britain: Search
for asbestos victim’s workmates
The family of a Scarborough repairman who died as a result of exposure
to asbestos has launched an appeal to trace his former colleagues. Geoff
Edmonds, who worked for engineering company Brogden and Wilson for almost
30 years, died aged 79 from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma last year.
Thompson’s
Solicitors news release • Anybody who worked for Brogden and
Wilson between 1941 and 1969 and remembers Geoff Edmonds should contact
Marion
Voss on 0113 2056300 • Risks
344 Hazards news, 23 February 2008
Britain:
Call for schools asbestos survey
Teaching union ATL is urging the government to carry out a survey of all
schools to check whether asbestos is present. It is warning that putting
a drawing pin into a classroom wall or slamming a classroom door “could
be enough to sign a death warrant” and is calling for asbestos to
be removed from all schools by 2010. HSE
news release • Risks
344 Hazards news, 23 February 2008
Britain: Postcard push
for pleural plaques payouts
Unions and asbestos groups have launched a campaign to press for compensation
for pleural plaques. Alan Ritchie, general secretary of construction union
UCATT, presented an oversized postcard to secretary of state for justice
Jack Straw to mark the latest push to overturn the October 2007 Law Lords
decision to end compensation for pleural plaques, a scarring of the lungs
caused by heavy and long term exposure to asbestos UCATT
news release and pleural plaques postcard [pdf]
• Risks
344 Hazards news, 23 February 2008
Global:
Governments told to act on asbestos
Governments must take urgent action to ban asbestos worldwide and to head
off a massive asbestos industry promotional push, campaigners have said.
Eighty delegates from unions, asbestos groups and international tripartite,
enforcement and expert bodies from 33 countries met in Vienna this month
to devise an effective response to the occupational and public health
menace posed by asbestos. BWI
news release • Vienna Declaration from the Building and Woodworkers
International Asbestos Conference, made in Vienna, February 2008 [pdf]
• Risks
343 Hazards news, 16 February 2008
Britain: Former
nurse gets asbestos cancer
A former nurse should get compensation for her asbestos-related illness
after a health authority accepted liability for having caused her disease.
Mary Artherton, 59, was exposed to the dust while working at a sequence
of Norwich hospitals. Risks
343 Hazards news, 16 February 2008
Britain: Payout too
late for asbestos poster girl
The family of a poster girl for the former asbestos giant Turner and Newall
has won a five figure settlement from the company after she died from
the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. Martha Charlson, from Rochdale, was
enlisted to promote the image of T&N in its heyday, when her photo
appeared in a booklet detailing the firm's history. Thompsons
Solicitors news release • Risks
343 Hazards news, 16 February 2008
Britain: Action Mesothelioma
Day, 27 February 2008
Action Mesothelioma Day, on 27 February involves local activities nationwide
to raise awareness of mesothelioma, an incurable cancer caused by exposure
to asbestos, and to campaign for prevention of asbestos exposures today
and better treatment and benefits for those affected by past exposures.
Join a local event – or if there isn’t one, consider organising
your own.
Asbestos Forum Action
Mesothelioma Day webpage and events
listing • Action
Mesothelioma website • Risks
343 Hazards news, 16 February 2008
Britain: Scotland
makes asbestos disease move
Victims of several asbestos-related conditions will benefit from Scottish
legislation allowing them to claim damages, even if they do not suffer
ill-health as a result, the Scottish government justice secretary Kenny
MacAskill has said. People with pleural plaques, asymptomatic asbestosis
or pleural thickening will be able to seek compensation if they have been
negligently exposed to asbestos, under a proposed bill published by the
Scottish government. Scottish
Government news release •Risks
342 Hazards news, 9 February 2008
Britain:
Asbestos sufferers in pleural plaques protest
Trade unionists and asbestos support groups from across the country have
called for compensation for asbestos related pleural plaques to be reinstated.
A 29 January lobby of parliament set out to convince the government the
October 2007 decision by the Law Lords to stop payouts must be overturned. Risks
341 Hazards news, 2 February 2008
Britain:
Asbestos groups welcome drugs decision
Groups supporting families affected by asbestos disease have welcomed
the approval of the most effective drug treatment for the cancer mesothelioma.
On 23 January drug approvals agency NICE announced it had cleared the
use of Alimta for the treatment of mesothelioma.
Asbestos Forum news
release and website
• NICE
decision • Risks
340 Hazards news, 26 January 2008
Britain:
Mesothelioma families want fairness
A group of mesothelioma sufferers and their families have released a short
film with a hard-hitting message calling on the UK government to amend
the law on asbestos compensation. The North East Mesothelioma Self Help
Group wants the bereavement compensation paid to families of mesothelioma
victims in England and Wales to be on a par with payments made in Scotland.
Thompsons
Solicitors news release, including link to the short film
• Risks
339 Hazards news, 19 January 2008
Britain:
Top asbestos campaign relaunches
A campaign group set up in memory of a Leeds mother who died of an asbestos-related
cancer has won charitable status. The June Hancock Mesothelioma Research
Fund has now officially relaunched itself as an independent charity.
June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund news
release and mesothelioma charter and website
• Asbestos
Victims Support Groups Forum UK Hazards news, 22 December 2007
Canada: Asbestos epidemic
‘made in Canada’
A prominent Canadian politician has said the country deserves international
derision for imposing a made-in-Canada asbestos disease epidemic on the
rest of the world. In an opinion piece in the National Post, Pat Martin,
an MP with the New Democratic Party, said the Canadian government’s
backing for the industry was “corporate welfare for corporate serial
killers.” National
Post • NDP
news release Hazards news, 8 December 2007
Britain: Asbestos
case settled in four months
Former shipyard worker Charles Cochran, 67, has been awarded more than
£150,000 in compensation after developing the asbestos cancer mesothelioma.
This case was settled just four months after the claim was made. Thompsons
Solicitors news release Hazards news, 8 December 2007
Britain:
No one is safe from asbestos
A hairdresser and a theatre worker are among the latest victims of asbestos.
Carol Heaton, 60, died from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma after working
in a hair salon for 33 years and theatre worker Gloria Dawson, 69, was
killed by a crumbling fire safety stage curtain. Daily
Mail • The
Times Hazards news, 8 December 2007
Britain: Unions
welcomes pleural plaques move
Construction union UCATT have given a “cautious welcome” to
the UK government’s commitment to examine a recent decision of the
Law Lords that asbestos campaigners have labelled a “travesty of
justice” and “a disgrace”. UCATT
news release • Oldham
Chronicle Hazards news, 8 December 2007
Australia: Death of
Bernie Banton, asbestos hero
Bernie Banton, an Australian factory worker who became a nationwide symbol
for labour rights in Australia, died on 27 November after suffering with
asbestosis for years and more recently developing the asbestos cancer
mesothelioma. Mr Banton, who was 61, fought until the very end, managing
this month to give court evidence in a landmark compensation case from
his hospital bed, as well as delivering a petition to the government in
the run-up to last Saturday’s federal election pressing for and
winning improved drug treatments for mesothelioma sufferers. ACTU
condolence book • The
James Hardie scandal Hazards news, 1 December 2007
Canada:
Asbestos exports on the increase
A major sales drive by Canada’s asbestos industry has seen asbestos
exports to some developing nations increase dramatically. Seventy-five
per cent of Canadian asbestos exports go to Asian countries, the analysis
shows; the top five regional markets are India – which imported
C$25,196,357 (£12,420,000) worth of Canadian asbestos between January
and August 2007, followed by Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand and Bangladesh.
Canadian
asbestos: The naked truth, IBAS, November 2007 • New
International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS) website Hazards news, 24 November 2007
Britain: Port
worker receives asbestos settlement
A retired Port of London Authority (PLA) worker has received £23,500
compensation after being diagnosed with asbestos-related pleural thickening.
Unite secured the compensation for Terence O’Connell, 84, who worked
for the PLA from 1937 until 1975, save for the wartime years when he served
in the RAF. Pattinson
& Brewer news release Hazards news, 24 November 2007
Australia:
Campaigner wins asbestos drug fight
Thousands of victims of asbestos cancer in Australia will be able to get
an expensive palliative care drug at next to no cost by January or even
sooner. Both major political parties promised to subsidise the drug Alimta
for sufferers of the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma after the government's
drug advisory body recommended that it be listed on the Pharmaceutical
Benefits Scheme, which means it is available with most costs borne by
the government. The
Age • The
Daily Telegraph Hazards news, 17 November 2007
Britain: Cancer
payout for asbestos hug woman
A Devon woman who developed an incurable asbestos-related cancer from
hugging her father as a child has settled a damages claim. The Ministry
of Defence (MoD), which owned Devonport Dockyard when Debbie Brewer's
father worked there in the 1960s, settled with a six-figure sum. BBC
News Online • Daily
Mail Hazards news, 17 November 2007
Britain: Cancer
payouts offer little comfort
The widow of a Unite member has been awarded a substantial compensation
payment after her husband died of an asbestos cancer caused by exposures
at work. David Hines from Birkenhead was 73 when he died just two months
after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. Thompsons
Solicitors news release Hazards news, 17 November 2007
Britain:
Teacher’s testimony to asbestos dangers
A teacher who has developed the asbestos cancer mesothelioma as a result
of exposures in a school has issued an online video warning about the
dangers of the deadly fibre. Elizabeth Bradford was informed after an
inspection by her local authority employer she had been exposed to asbestos,
but it was white asbestos so there wasn’t a problem. ATL
YouTube video clip • Also on YouTube: Mesothelioma:
The human face of an epidemic • Other
safety related videos on YouTube Hazards news, 17 November 2007
Britain: Company
fined £20,000 for asbestos breach
Bedford magistrates have fined Galamast Ltd £20,000 for exposing
workers to asbestos. The prosecution comes as new figures show record
numbers are dying of asbestos cancers. HSE
news release• Thompsons Solicitors
news release Hazards news, 10 November 2007
Global: Tell Canada
to stop deadly asbestos exports
A major petition to Canadian premier Stephen Harper by campaign organisation
RightsOnCanada is calling for an end to Canadian support for asbestos
exports and is attracting thousands of signatures. Two of the country’s
leading asbestos exporters this week combined their marketing efforts
to “maximise our sales and minimise our costs,” said Simon
Dupéré, president of LAB Chrysotile, which operates two
mines in Thetford, Quebec. Sign
the RightsOnCanada petition for an end to Canada’s promotion of
asbestos trade Hazards news, 3 November 2007
Canada: Asbestos
pushers face new attack
Canada’s promotion of asbestos trade in the developing world is
turning into a major national controversy. National press coverage has
revealed the real-life circumstances of asbestos use in India, Canada’s
biggest asbestos client. Global
and Mail • Asbestos
abuse photofile Hazards news, 3 November 2007
Australia:
Minister apologises to asbestos campaigner
Australia’s federal health minister Tony Abbott has phoned anti-asbestos
campaigner Bernie Banton to apologise for accusing him of conducting a
political stunt and suggesting he is “not necessarily pure of heart”.
Mr Banton, who has suffered for years from asbestosis and was this year
diagnosed with the asbestos cancer mesothelioma, led a group this week
trying to present a petition to Mr Abbott calling for government subsidies
on a drug, Alimta, that treats the condition. ABC
News and TV
interview with Tony Abbott • CFMEU
news release • Sky
News coverage of the Abbott insult and apology Hazards news, 3 November 2007
Britain:
Contractors warned on asbestos risks
A Preston building contractor has been fined after safety lapses led to
two workers from another company being exposed to asbestos. Mustaq Bargit,
trading as M and B Builders, was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay
costs of £5,137.73 after being found guilty at Preston Magistrates
Court of safety offences. He had allowed work on a construction site to
take place without an asbestos survey being completed. HSE
news release Hazards news, 27 October 2007
Britain:
Hospital trust fined for asbestos blunders
A South London NHS trust has been fined after failing to take proper precautions
to manage asbestos in their buildings, resulting in workers being exposed
to asbestos dust. St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust was fined £5,000
and ordered to pay costs of £6,432 at the City of London Magistrates’
Court, after it pleaded guilty of breaching the Control of Asbestos at
Work Regulations 2002. HSE
news release Hazards news, 27 October 2007
Britain: Asbestos
payout after dad’s death
The two daughters of a York man who died of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma
are to receive compensation. CWU member Leslie Kenneth Bailey died on
23 March 2003, aged 48, having been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma
in November 2002. Pattinson
& Brewer news release Hazards news, 20 October 2007
USA: Senate
passes asbestos ban
After seven years of stalling the ‘Ban Asbestos in America Act’
has been passed by the US Senate, bring a formal ban on asbestos a major
step closer. Senator
Patty Murray’s news release • Asbestos Disease Awareness
Organisation (ADAO) news release [pdf] Hazards news, 13 October 2007
Britain: Seafarer’s
overalls caused wife’s cancer
A former seafarer whose wife died as a result of washing his asbestos
covered work overalls has received an out-of-court settlement of £62,500
from British Rail. David Parker, who was employed by British Rail Ferries
on the SS Sarnia ship in 1966,took home asbestos fibres on his clothing.
Swindon
Advertiser Hazards news, 13 October 2007
Global:
Global asbestos ban plan
Top international agencies are pushing forward with a plan for a worldwide
asbestos ban. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the World
Health Organisation (WHO) have prepared an ‘Outline for the development
of national programmes for elimination of asbestos-related diseases,’
which ILO says “is a tool for increasing policy coherence for reducing
and finally phasing out the use of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials.” ILO
publication alert • Outline for the development of national
programmes for elimination of asbestos-related diseases [pdf]
• ILO 2006 resolution on asbestos [pdf]• WHO
position paper on elimination of asbestos related diseases, [pdf] Hazards news, 6 October 2007
Britain: Relatives
step up asbestos fight
A campaign set up in memory of Prospect member Roger Lowe is drawing attention
to the deadly dangers posed by asbestos exposure. The daughters and wife
of the dockyard electrical fitter, who died aged 68 from the asbestos-related
cancer mesothelioma in December 2005, have founded a support group in
his name. Prospect
news release • Roger
Lowe Campaign Hazards news, 6 October 2007
Britain:
Woman tells of asbestos disease nightmares
A 55-year-old woman from Retford, whose father and two brothers died from
asbestos related diseases, is taking legal action after discovering she
has the illness pleural plaques, associated with asbestos exposure. Valerie
Pask, 55, was diagnosed with the condition in April 2006. Irwin
Mitchell news release • The
Mirror Hazards news, 22 September 2007
Australia:
Ex-James Hardie boss in criminal probe
The former managing director of James Hardie, Peter Macdonald, has been
revealed as the target of a criminal investigation over compensation to
asbestos victims. He is first to be named as being investigated by the
Australian Securities and Investments Commission since it flagged a criminal
investigation in February into the scandal that cost Mr Macdonald his
job. Sydney
Morning Herald • ASIC
James Hardie webpage Hazards news, 8 September 2007
Britain: Union ups school
asbestos campaign
Teaching union ATL is ramping up its awareness campaign on the dangers
posed by asbestos in school buildings. The union says over 400 ATL members
have so far signed its asbestos register, to indicate they may have been
exposed at work, and the number on the register “is growing daily”. ATL
news report Mesothelioma: The human face of an asbestos epidemic,
YouTube video
Britain:
Asbestos blamed for man’s death
A carpenter’s death was caused by his working exposure to asbestos
- even though no asbestos could be found in his lungs, a Gloucester inquest
has ruled. Coroner Alan Crickmore recorded a verdict that Gerard Thorley
died aged 69 from an industrial disease. Gloucester
Citizen Hazards news, 1 September 2007
Britain: NUT lessons
on school asbestos
Schools should conduct thorough asbestos surveys and headteachers, governors
and premises staff must have better knowledge of asbestos management,
teaching union NUT has said. The union’s briefing, prepared after
teachers and staff were placed at risk when asbestos was disturbed at
a Derby school and the city’s council was prosecuted successfully
in May, says visual inspections of schools for a potential asbestos risk
are not enough. NUT health
and safety briefings webpage • NUT briefing: Asbestos –
lessons to be learned report [word] Hazards news, 1 September 2007
Asia:
Asbestos plague reaches Asia
As asbestos markets shrink in Europe, the cancer-causing product is finding
new markets in developing countries. A new report, ‘Killing the
future: Asbestos use in Asia’, warns that although major international
agencies agree that exposure to asbestos is deadly, the consumption of
white asbestos (chrysotile) is increasing throughout Asia. IBAS news release [pdf]
• Killing the future: Asbestos use in Asia, IBAS, 2007 [pdf]
• Further
information Hazards news, 18 August 2007
Global: Killing
the future – exporting an asbestos epidemic to Asia
As asbestos markets shrink in Europe, the cancer-causing product is finding
new markets in developing countries. A new report, ‘Killing the
future: Asbestos use in Asia’, warns that although major international
agencies agree that exposure to asbestos is deadly, the consumption of
white asbestos (chrysotile) is increasing throughout Asia. It says half
of current asbestos consumption is in Asian countries.
Further details on Killing the future Hazards news, 14 August 2007
USA: Boss used homeless
to remove asbestos
A US contractor who hired homeless men to remove asbestos without proper
protective gear has been sentenced to 21 months in prison. John Edward
Callahan, 56, had pleaded guilty earlier this year to a Clean Air Act
violation – but because he doesn’t have the resources was
not fined or required to pay for medical monitoring and treatment of the
men he'd exposed to asbestos. Roanoke
Times Hazards news, 11 August 2007
Global: Asbestos
pushers dealt serious blows
LAB Chrysotile Inc started bankruptcy proceedings on 25 July, a move that
should see the closure of Canada’s last asbestos mine. The end of
asbestos mining in Quebec could have a dramatic knock-on effect for the
industry worldwide; the Quebec-based Chrysotile Institute, the global
asbestos industry’s main lobbying organisation is financed by the
Canadian industry and money from the federal Canadian and provincial Quebec
governments. Earth
Times • ADAO
news release and website Hazards news, 4 August 2007
USA: Industrial
brakes caused steelworker cancers
The families of three former Bethlehem Steel workers have been awarded
$3.97 million (£1.93m) in an asbestos settlement. The former steelworkers
had sued General Electric in Baltimore Circuit Court over exposures from
asbestos-lined industrial brakes used in cranes and other equipment at
the mill. Channel
13 Baltimore Hazards news, 28 July 2007
Canada:
Support for asbestos, but not for victims
The Canadian government spends millions promoting its asbestos exports,
but isn’t so forthcoming when it comes to its own victims of asbestos
disease. Almost 1,000 of the 1,500 people in Ontario who developed the
asbestos cancer mesothelioma between 1980 and 2002 weren't compensated,
according to a new research paper, which says this allowed the province's
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to shortchange victims of the disease,
and taxpayers, out of hundreds of millions of dollars. The
Global and Mail • James T Brophy, Margaret Keith, Jenny Schieman.
Canada’s asbestos legacy at home and abroad, IJOEH, volume
13, pages 236-243, 2007 [pdf] Hazards news, 21 July 2007
Britain:
Accountant’s visits led to asbestos cancer
A chartered accountant died as a result of exposure to asbestos, an inquest
has heard. Raymond Dunn, 73, died on 9 May this year after developing
pneumonia as a result of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma; he contracted
the condition even though he had visited a factory's offices only a couple
of days a year – more than 50 years ago. Blackpool
Gazette Hazards news, 21 July 2007
Canada:
Cancer society wants asbestos stopped
The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) has called for an end to Canada’s
export of asbestos and believes the federal government should stop blocking
international efforts to curb the trade in the dangerous mineral. Although
asbestos is internationally recognised as one of the worst cancer-causing
materials ever to have been in widespread use, the society's decision
is controversial because it undermines the national government’s
long-standing contention that chrysotile (white) asbestos can be used
safely and should be promoted. Canadian
Cancer Society news release • James T Brophy, Margaret Keith,
Jenny Schieman. Canada’s asbestos legacy at home and abroad,
IJOEH, volume 13, pages 236-243, 2007 [pdf]
• Hazards asbestos
webpages Hazards news, 14 July 2007
Britain:
Payouts at last for T&N asbestos victims
A six-year block on asbestos disease payouts from the notorious asbestos
manufacturer Turner & Newall (T&N) had ended, with the first settlements
coming through. Unite’s Amicus section says its members are at last
receiving compensation from the defunct asbestos company more than six
years after their claims were first lodged. Unite-Amicus
news release Hazards news, 14 July 2007
Britain: Campaigners
win asbestos drug fight
NHS drugs advisers have reversed their proposal to block a drug for people
with an asbestos-related cancer after a high profile campaign by asbestos
groups and unions. Chair of the Asbestos Victims Support Groups' Forum,
Tony Whitston, said: “We would like to thank all those who have
campaigned for this treatment for mesothelioma, a disease caused almost
exclusively by asbestos exposure and which was, and is, entirely preventable.”
NICE
decision • Hazards
asbestos webpages Hazards news, 14 July 2007
Britain: Lords
urged to deliver asbestos justice
A legal bid backed by the union Unite is seeking to secure compensation
for people with the asbestos related condition pleural plaques. The case
being considered by the Lords started on 25 June and follows a Court of
Appeal ruling last year, which overturned a decision by the High Court
in 2005 which said pleural plaques should continue to receive compensation.
Amicus
news release Hazards news, 30 June 2007
South Africa:
Asbestos victims face poverty
Even after being paid compensation, South Africa’s asbestos disease
victims remain desperately poor and many have already exhausted their
once-off lump sum compensation, according to a study by the Asbestos Relief
Trust (ART). The fund was set up after South African investment holding
company Gencor and British multinational Cape settled litigation for damages
by paying R587.5 million (£41.7m at the 2007 exchange rate). Business
Report Hazards news, 23 June 2007
Britain:
Payout after asbestos destroys kidney
An asbestos exposed worker who developed a serious kidney disease is thought
to be the first in the country to win compensation for the condition.
Ex-motor mechanic Graham Mansfield, 67, has been awarded £135,000
after losing the use of his right kidney to retroperitoneal fibrosis,
a rare condition which causes damage to the kidneys and other organs.
Irwin
Mitchell Solicitors news release Hazards news, 23 June 2007
Britain: Union
push for pleural plaques payouts
As a bid gets underway to persuade the Law Lords to reverse a Court of
Appeal decision last year to deny compensation to people with pleural
plaques caused by asbestos exposures, around 200 construction workers
from all over the UK will assemble outside parliament. To coincide with
the start of the House of Lords case on 25 June, the demonstrators - including
thermal insulation engineers, welders and fabricators - will urge the
Lords to restore compensation for sufferers of pleural plaques. GMB
news release Hazards news, 23 June 2007
Britain: Payout
‘will give me time with my family’
A woman who contracted a terminal asbestos-related cancer by hugging her
dockyard worker father says she will use a compensation payout to spend
quality time with her family. Plymouth mother-of-three Debbie Brewer,
47, has received an interim compensation amount of £25,000 from
the Ministry of Defence, which admitted liability in February. Plymouth
Herald • Mesothelioma
and me, Debbie Brewer’s website • Hazards
asbestos news and resource • Action
Mesothelioma Hazards news , 16 June 2007
Britain: Hospital
fined for asbestos risk to staff
A hospital trust has been fined more than £7,000 after admitting
three charges of exposing staff to asbestos. Two workers were put at risk
during the incident at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, North Yorkshire,
in 2004. Northern
Echo • Hazards
asbestos webpages Hazards news, 9 June 2007
Britain: Doctor
gets ‘industrial’ asbestos cancer
Hospital consultant Andrew Lawson was diagnosed with the asbestos cancer
pulmonary mesothelioma three weeks ago, a condition increasingly reported
in hospital workers. Writing in the Times, he said: “It seems that
there may have been a lot of asbestos in the tunnels at Guy’s hospital
where I spent six years training,” adding: “One wonders how
many of my contemporaries will get the same disease?” The
Times Hazards news, 2 June 2007
Britain: Asbestos
cancer from nuclear sub work
A former electrician's mate who worked on the UK's first nuclear submarine
has been awarded a six-figure sum in cancer compensation. Ken McDonald,
67, developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos while working
at Vickers shipyard in Barrow. Thompsons
Solicitors news release Hazards news, 2 June 2007
Britain:
Shipyard worker in £1m asbestos payout
A former Tyneside shipyard worker has been awarded almost £1m damages
after developing a deadly asbestos-related lung cancer. GMB member Raymond
Shanks, 59, sued Newcastle-based Swan Hunter, where he worked as an electrician
for four years from 1965. GMB
news release Hazards news, 2 June 2007
Britain: Last
push for asbestos drug approval
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is soon to announce
its recommendation on NHS availability of the mesothelioma drug Alimta;
it is anticipated that NICE will say authorisation should be refused.
Michael Clapham MP has introduced an early day motion (EDM) calling on
NICE to rethink its approach and on the government to “acknowledge
that, in this case, she has a wider social responsibility that goes beyond
the NICE definition of cost-effectiveness.” Check
to see if your MP is signed up to Mesothelioma and access to Alimta, EDM
2848 • Find
your MP - you just need to know your postcode Hazards news, 26 May 2007
Britain:
NUT pushes asbestos action in schools
Teaching union NUT is calling for action to remove asbestos from schools.
The NUT circular says: “The purpose of this guidance is to support
the work of divisions and associations in terms of seeking to bring about
the removal of asbestos from all schools which contain it.” NUT
health and safety factsheets NASUWT
news release Hazards news, 26 May 2007
Britain: Fines for
school asbestos blunders
Derby City Council has been fined £50,000 with costs of £20,000
after admitting asbestos safety breaches. The Health and Safety Executive
(HSE) prosecution followed an incident when a Mickleover school was closed
for several weeks after asbestos was disturbed during window replacement
work, exposing staff and pupils; both the council and the contractor were
aware of the presence of asbestos, but failed to take appropriate precautions BBC
News Online
Britain: UCATT demands
better asbestos treatment
Construction union UCATT is demanding official approval for a drug experts
say is the best treatment for people with the asbestos cancer mesothelioma.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has indicated
that it will advise that the chemotherapy drug Alimta should not be used The
Observer • Daily
Mail • Action Mesothelioma Hazards news, 12 May 2007
Britain:
Childhood exposure caused asbestos disease
A woman exposed to asbestos when she played as a child in the basement
of a London council flat has received a six-figure payout after developing
the incurable cancer mesothelioma. As a teenager Cheryl Marsh, 49, played
in the boiler rooms in the basement of her parent's council flat in the
Brecknock Estate, Islington. Risks 302, 21 April 2007
Australia:
Asbestos cancer deaths under-estimated
A deadly asbestos cancer sparked by exposure to asbestos will strike far
more Australians and peak years later than first predicted, a new report
has concluded. The study by Dr Mark Clements, from the National Centre
for Epidemiology and Population Health, predicts that 6,430 cases of the
fatal disease would be recorded over that period, and it won't peak until
as late as 2017. Risks 301, 7 April 2007
Britain:
Dockers win asbestos appeal
Hundreds of former dock workers can sue the government for compensation
for asbestos-related illnesses, thanks to court victory. The Court of
Appeal upheld a High Court test case decision last year that the government
is liable to compensate former dock workers. Risks 301, 7 April 2007
Britain:
New asbestos victims didn’t do dirty jobs
A retired teacher and a retired housewife are among the latest victims
of an asbestos cancer which is affecting people with relatively low exposures
to the deadly fibre. Risks 300, 31 March 2007
Denmark:
Union study exposes work cancer tragedy
A trade union study has identified high levels of occupational cancers
in construction workers in Denmark and has prompted immediate government
action. Danish Confederation of Construction Workers Unions (BAT-Cartel)
researchers analysed found a range of jobs had a statistically significant
risk for a range of cancers, many associated with asbestos exposure. Risks 299, 24 March 2007 • Hazards
occupational cancer webpages
Britain:
No-one is safe from asbestos
Over three decades of warnings from unions and campaigners that use of
asbestos would lead to a disease epidemic have been proven tragically
correct. Hundreds of cases are emerging of people developing asbestos
related cancer after very short or low level exposures – including
the children and grandchildren of exposed workers and, increasingly, younger
people. Risks 299, 24 March 2007
Britain:
Pair jailed for asbestos crimes
Two demolition men from Bradford have been jailed for asbestos-related
crimes – but another repeat offender has escaped with community
service for a second time. William Reidy, 59, who had previous convictions
for similar offences, was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court to 16 months
in prison for depositing asbestos waste in contravention of environmental
and special waste laws and his foreman, 61-year-old Leonard Imeson, was
jailed for four months. Risks 299, 24 March 2007
Global:
Asbestos use study supports global ban
The findings of a major study which correlated asbestos usage with asbestos
related diseases “strongly” supports a global asbestos ban.
The authors concluded: “Historical asbestos consumption alone explained
the bulk of the variance in subsequent death rates from such diseases.
Our results lend support to the notion that all countries should move
towards eliminating the use of asbestos.” Risks 298, 17 March 2007 • Ro-Ting
Lin, Ken Takahashi and others. Ecological association between asbestos-related
diseases and historical asbestos consumption: an international analysis,
The Lancet, volume 369, pages 844-849, 2007 [abstract]
Britain:
Car mechanic gets asbestos payout
A car mechanic has been awarded £300,000 compensation from former
employers after he contracted the asbestos cancer mesothelioma as a result
of working on cars with asbestos brake and clutch pads. Jonathan Hutchinson,
50, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2003, after working as a garage
mechanic for a range of firms in the 1970s and 1980s and stripped out
brake pads which contained asbestos dust. Risks 298, 17 March 2007 • Action
Mesothelioma • Hazards asbestos
webpages
Britain:
More payouts and faster for asbestos disease
Government proposals that will speed up government payouts to people suffering
from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma and that for the first time will
include compensation for those not exposed while working, have been welcomed
by unions. The proposals would provide up-front financial support to people
who were previously not eligible, including those who were: exposed to
asbestos from a relative (for example, from their overalls); exposed to
asbestos environmentally (for example, lived near a factory using asbestos);
the self-employed; and those who can't trace their exposure to asbestos.
Risks 298, 17 March 2007 • Action
Mesothelioma
Canada:
New law allows asbestos use in toys
New Canadian federal regulations allow asbestos to be used in children’s
toys. Pat Martin and Catherine Bell, members of parliament from the left
of centre party NDP used hand puppets dubbed Toxic Timmy and Ms. O'Thelioma,
named after an asbestos-related cancer, to raise their concerns at a news
conference in Ottawa. Risks 297, 10 March 2007
Britain:
Asbestos victims 'getting younger'
Asbestos-related cancers are affecting more and more young people and
women, according to a top occupational disease lawyer. Geraldine Coombs,
who heads Irwin Mitchell's Manchester-based asbestos team, is representing
a 27-year-old woman who is thought to be the youngest-ever victim of mesothelioma,
an incurable cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Risks 297, 10 March 2007
Britain:
Widow gets £355,000 asbestos payout
The widow of a former Vickers employee who died from mesothelioma has
received a £355,000 payout. Jean Allen, 69, secured the compensation
following the death of her husband Keith from the asbestos-related cancer
in 2004. Risks 297, 10 March 2007
Britain:
Companies fined for asbestos crimes
Two Lancashire companies have been fined a total of £25,000 and
ordered to pay total costs of £11,788 after pleading guilty at Blackpool
Magistrates Court to criminal charges brought by the HSE after employees
were exposed to asbestos during refurbishment work. Risks 296, 3 March 2007
Britain:
Government acts on mesothelioma care
The government has launched a new framework for improving the care of
people with the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. On Action Mesothelioma Day,
27 February, health minister Rosie Winterton announced the new framework,
providing advice to the NHS on how to organise services for mesothelioma
patients in order to improve quality of care. Risks 296, 3 March 2007
Britain:
Union secures shipyard asbestos compensation
Amicus has secured compensation for the family of a former shipyard worker
on Tyneside who died from mesothelioma. Stephen Addison worked on a number
of shipyards on the River Tyne from 1939 until the 1960s where he was
exposed to asbestos. Risks 296, 3 March 2007
Latin
America: Unions push for asbestos bans
Sixteen trade union confederations in five Andean countries - Bolivia,
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela – have taken up the campaign
for an asbestos ban. The unions have helped compile a report, based on
a survey of trade union leaders, and looks at asbestos use in the different
countries involved. Risks 295, 24 February 2007
Global:
New push for global asbestos ban
A global trade union organisation has called for a renewed push for a
global asbestos ban. Building unions’ global federation BWI is asking
all trade unions to write to their national governments, asking for a
meeting to discuss a national action plan to prevent asbestos related
diseases. Risks 295, 24 February 2007
Australia:
Asbestos scandal claims Hardie scalps
James Hardie chair Meredith Hellicar has fallen on her sword after Australia’s
corporate watchdog ASIC launched a lawsuit to ban her from running a company.
Ms Hellicar, and the two remaining directors who signed off on Hardie's
plan in 2001 to separate the company from its asbestos liabilities, Michael
Brown and Michael Gillfillan, resigned, all protesting their innocence.
Risks 295, 24 February 2007
Britain:
MoD admits asbestos ‘cancer hug’ liability
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is to compensate Debbie Brewer, 47, who
said she developed an asbestos-related cancer from hugging her father,
who worked as a docker at the Navy’s Devonport Dockyard. In November
last year, 45-year-old Michelle Campbell, who developed mesothelioma as
a result of exposure to asbestos from her grandfather's work clothing,
was awarded a £145,000 MoD payout. Risks 295, 24 February 2007
Britain:
Asbestos - hundreds of thousands more will die
Latest estimates suggest this could mean at least 120,000 people and probably
substantially more are still to die as a result of Britain’s asbestos
disease epidemic – an epidemic predicted by unions and campaign
groups, who have for decades called for stricter controls on asbestos.
The price paid by working people is spelled out in a new YouTube video
from the Forum of Asbestos Victim Support Groups.
Mesothelioma: The human face of an asbestos epidemic, YouTube
video • Forum of Asbestos Victim Support Groups ActionMeso
website • Risks 295, 24 February 2007
Australia:
Unions win asbestos compensation campaign
A multinational that had resisted finalising an asbestos compensation
deal has finally put pen to paper, after a high profile trade union campaign.
The Aus$4bn (£1.58bn) 40-year deal was ratified at an extraordinary
general meeting of the firm’s shareholders in the Netherlands; the
company will make an initial payment of around Aus$185 million (£73m)
into an Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund with further regular payments
to be made over the life of the agreement. Risks 293, 10 February 2007
Britain:
Government challenges dockers' asbestos payouts
The financial future of hundreds of former dockers suffering from asbestos
related illness is hanging in the balance. At the Court of Appeal this
week lawyers for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) made a bid
to block the dockers' compensation claims. Risks 292, 3 February 2007
Britain:
Payout after asbestos causes breathlessness
A North Yorkshire man has been awarded “substantial” compensation
developing a lung disease caused by exposure to asbestos fibres in his
youth. Geoffrey Stead, 65, received the payout from British Rail after
he was diagnosed with pleural thickening. Risks 292, 3 February 2007
Britain:
Mesothelioma Action Day, 27 February 2007
The second Mesothelioma Action Day will be held on 27 February 2007. As
well as a parliamentary reception at the House of Commons, there will
be events in Manchester, Chesterfield, Leicester, Liverpool, Glasgow,
Rotherham, Gateshead, Leeds and elsewhere, and a purpose produced short
video presentation to raise awareness of the UK mesothelioma epidemic
will be shown throughout February 27 on giant BBC TV screens in city centres
including Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester. Risks 291, 27 January 2007 • For further
information, see the International
Ban Asbestos Secretariat website • Also see Asbestos
Forum and Hazards
Campaign websites
Britain:
Concern over delay in asbestos drug decision
A final decision on whether a chemotherapy drug that could help sufferers
of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma should be available on the NHS may
not now be announced for months. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence
(Nice) says it does not envisage being in a position to give guidance
on the drug Alimta until September. Risks 291, 27 January 2007
Canada:
Bystander asbestos cases hit families
Many of the sons, daughters and spouses of Canadian workers sickened by
asbestos are now developing cancers, which doctors say have been triggered
by the dangerous dust brought home inadvertently by their fathers and
husbands. Risks 290, 20 January 2007
Britain:
The price of a life
Asbestos continues to kill in record numbers – at least 4,000 UK
deaths last year – and for many the best they can hope for is some
compensation before they die. Risks 290, 20 January 2007
USA:
Asbestos hazard warning survives challenge
An official warning to mechanics that exposure to asbestos in brakes can
cause deadly disease will not be removed from a US government website,
and official safety watchdog the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) will not now suspend a scientist who had refused to water down
the warning. Risks 288, 23 December 2006 • OSHA
asbestos brakes warning
Britain:
Victory for Scotland's asbestos families
Families of Scottish asbestos disease victims are celebrating an early
victory in their fight for compensation. Changes in Scottish law to help
people with asbestos-related cancer claim compensation have been brought
forward to this week, the Scottish Executive has announced. Risks 288, 23 December 2006
Britain:
New guide to the new asbestos regulations
The TUC and HSE have produced a brief guide for safety representatives
on asbestos and the new Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. The online
resource, which does not cover the legal functions of safety representatives,
gives basic answers to the following questions: What is asbestos; why
is it dangerous; where do you find asbestos; who is likely to be exposed
to asbestos fibres; what’s new in the Control of Asbestos Regulations
2006; what is a licence; what do the Regulations say and what should I
do; what should I do if I suspect asbestos materials are present; and
how do I find out more? You can start by reading this guide. TUC
alert and full guide [pdf]
Britain:
Legal win for widow of youngest mesothelioma victim
The widow of a 32-year-old man who died after inhaling asbestos on his
stepfather's work clothing as a child, has succeeded in her legal battle
for compensation. Claire Welch from Braunstone in Leicester continued
the legal action originally launched by her husband Barry after he was
diagnosed with mesothelioma in May 2004. Risks 287, 16 December 2006
Britain:
Outrage at “terrible” school asbestos message
The union GMB has said the clearing of a former headmaster of safety charges
after a Derby school was contaminated with asbestos dust sends out a “terrible
message”. In a case brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE),
Phillip Robinson, 50, denied a charge of failing to ensure the health
and safety of others. Risks 286, 9 December 2006
USA:
DaimlerChrysler to make $20m asbestos payout
Global car giant DaimlerChrysler must pay $20 million (£10.3m) to
a retired police officer and brake repairer whose right lung was removed
because of cancer caused by asbestos. The automaker was responsible for
the amount owed by the now-defunct companies because the jury found it
acted with reckless disregard for the safety of others, the lawyer for
the victim said. Risks 285, 2 December 2006
Canada:
Government lied on asbestos motives
Canada uses its international prestige to promote asbestos worldwide in
an informal marketing deal which means low-cost foreign producers in exchange
don’t drive Canada’s asbestos producers out of business, according
to an official federal government document. The document was produced
by a group that included assistant deputy minister Gary Nash, the former
head of the Montreal-based Chrysotile Institute, the government-backed
industry association spearheading promotion of asbestos trade worldwide. Risks 285, 2 December 2006
Australia:
Hardie campaigners sign final compo deal
After six years of campaigning and two and a half years of intensive negotiations
with the James Hardie company, unions and asbestos victims groups have
secured a final deal from the company to compensate Australian victims
of its asbestos products. Greg Combet, secretary of the national union
federation ACTU, said the deal “is a final, open ended, un-capped
and importantly tax-office approved funding agreement from James Hardie
which will see the company pay in excess of $4.5 billion [£1.83bn]
into a fund to compensate current and future Australian victims of its
asbestos products.” Risks 284, 25 November 2006
Britain:
Warehouse worker, 45, killed by asbestos
A warehouse worker in hospital for surgery for a workplace lifting injury
was told he was suffering from a deadly asbestos cancer. Peter Nicholas
Wilkinson, 45, who died on 2 September, had been admitted to hospital
last July after tearing a hernia at work but tests revealed he had contracted
the asbestos cancer mesothelioma Risks 284, 25 November 2006
Britain:
Union calls for action on asbestos by post
Royal Mail union CWU has called for an end to the potentially illegal
use of the mail to send asbestos samples, a practice which could place
both the public and postal workers at risk. Royal Mail has launched an
investigation after it was revealed a South Wales company was encouraging
the public to take their own asbestos samples and stick them in the post.
Risks 284, 25 November 2006
Global:
Asbestos touts get official backing
The governments that blocked an October bid to get right-to-know warnings
on asbestos exports are ratcheting up their global promotional activities
for the deadly fibre. Canada, which led the campaign to derail a widely
supported push for more stringent export controls under the Rotterdam
Treaty, has now approved a continuation of the Can$250,000 (£116,000)
annual funding for the asbestos industry front organisation, the Chrysotile
Institute. IBAS
report • Risks 283, 18 November 2006
Britain:
Widows appeal for asbestos help
Widows who lost their husbands to asbestos-related disease are appealing
for help from their former workmates. Risks 283, 18 November 2006
Britain:
Granddaughter gets asbestos cancer
A 45-year-old woman dying as a result of exposure to asbestos from her
grandfather’s work clothing has been awarded a £145,000 payout.
Michelle Campbell said she loved sitting on granddad Charles Frost’s
knee and enjoying a chat when he popped in to visit on his way home from
his job at Portsmouth dockyards. Risks 282, 11 November 2006
Britain:
Coroner warning on school asbestos risks
A Cumbrian coroner has called for asbestos to be removed from all schools
to protect pupils and staff. Speaking at the inquest into the death of
a teacher killed by school asbestos exposure, David Osborne said it could
require the demolition and re-building of some schools – but the
huge amount of cash required should be found. Risks 281, 4 November 2006
Britain:
Government praised for asbestos payouts decision
The government will not clawback benefit payments made to victims of asbestos
giant Turner and Newall (T&N), part of US multinational Federal Mogul.
Compensation payouts were delayed for five years while administrator Kroll
negotiated a payout scheme. Amicus general secretary Derek Simpson, commented:
“People who are suffering and the families of people who have died
from this awful disease deserve to have peace of mind that they will not
lose a huge amount of their compensation payments to the government.”
Risks 281, 4 November 2006
USA:
Asbestos campaign goes into cyberspace
A top US asbestos disease campaign organisation has launched an online
awareness campaign designed to spread the word about the dangers of asbestos.
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) says the initiative
is built around a “powerful” educational video that can be
easily forwarded via email. Risks 280, 28 October 2006 • ADAO
“Survivor” video • ADAO
website
Britain/USA:
Asbestos deal agreed - but who will pay?
A US company that has taken control of Equitas, the firm set up by the
Lloyd's insurance market to handle billions of pounds in asbestos claims,
has substantial interests in the asbestos industry it has been revealed.
Berkshire Hathaway is the owner of former US asbestos conglomerate Johns-Manville,
a firm which now pays its own asbestos claimants receive a small fraction
of the value of their claims. Risks 280, 28 October 2006
Global:
Treaty is latest victim of asbestos disease
An international treaty designed to protect developing nations from toxic
trade has become the latest casualty of the global asbestos industry.
Failure to list chrysotile asbestos under a global right-to-know scheme
has left the Rotterdam Convention “discredited” health campaigners
have warned. Risks 279, 21 October 2006
Britain:
Renewed push for asbestos cancer treatment
Asbestos victims and their families lobbied parliament on 17 October,
calling for funding for an asbestos cancer treatment. The groups are urging
the NHS to make available Alimta for the treatment of the asbestos cancer
mesothelioma. Risks 279, 21 October 2006
Britain:
School asbestos killed joiner
A former joiner who came into contact with asbestos while working at a
Peterborough school died from industrial disease, an inquest has heard.
David Baxter, 57, lost his battle against cancer caused by asbestos on
3 March this year. Risks 279, 21 October 2006
Britain:
Amicus prepares Lords appeal on pleural plaques
An appeal to the Law Lords to reinstate compensation for sufferers of
the asbestos related condition pleural plaques has been set for summer
2007.The move by Amicus is seeking to overturn a Court of Appeal ruling
this year which stopped compensation payouts to those with the condition. Risks 279, 21 October 2006
Britain:
Union secures payout for debilitating asbestos disease
The union GMB has secured a £30,000 payout for a former Yorkshire
Water employee with an asbestos-related disease. The pipe layer developed
bilateral diffuse pleural thickening – an illness caused by exposure
to asbestos. Risks 279, 21 October 2006
France:
Major Paris rally calls for asbestos action
Thousands of protesters last month gathered at a landmark Paris tower
once lined with asbestos to demand a nationwide lawsuit against those
who allowed workers to be exposed to the deadly substance. Risks 278, 14 October 2006
Britain:
Asbestos disease treatments lobby, London, 17 October
The Forum of Asbestos Victims Support Groups is to lobby MPs on 17 October
in a bid to get better treatment for patients suffering from the asbestos
cancer mesothelioma. Risks 277, 7 October 2006
Britain:
BBC alert over studio asbestos risk
The BBC has issued a public notice to warn current and former staff and
freelances of the possibility they may have been exposed to deteriorating
sprayed asbestos insulation while working at three Television Centre studios.
The alert, which also announced the launch of a BBC asbestos exposure
register, says exposure could have taken place over a 15-year period,
from 1990 to 2005. Risks 277, 7 October 2006
Britain:
Scots action on asbestos payouts dilemma
The Scottish Executive is seeking to reform legislation which has left
some asbestos cancer victims facing a compensation dilemma. Victims of
mesothelioma have to choose between claiming for damages or allowing their
relatives to lodge a bigger claim after their death. Risks 277, 7 October 2006
Japan:
Deadly wait for asbestos compensation
At least 170 people have died in Japan in the six months since a compensation
law took effect while waiting to hear if the qualify for asbestos disease
payouts, a survey has found. The government-affiliated Environmental Restoration
and Conservation Agency (ERCA) research also showed that only 242, or
20.9 per cent, of the 1,160 applicants were given official approval for
medical expenses and other benefits as of 12 September. Risks 276, 30 September 2006 • Hazards
asbestos webpages
Britain:
Dying carpenter gets £400,000 asbestos payout
A carpenter dying from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma has been awarded
agreed damages of £400,000 from his former employer. Field Fisher
Waterhouse, the law firm acting for Amargeet Singh Dahele, 52, said it
believed this was one of the highest ever settlements in such a case.
Risks 274, 16 September 2006
Britain:
Real losers of Federal Mogul’s bankruptcy ruse
When Federal Mogul used the USA’s business friendly bankruptcy laws,
it knew it could ring fence its substantial assets at the expense of asbestos
disease victims. Hundreds will now qualify for the drastically reduced
payouts. Risks 274, 16 September 2006
Britain:
“Obscene” fees consume asbestos fund
Accountants and lawyers claimed a staggering £70m in fees to administer
a compensation scheme which left cancer victims with just 20 per cent
of the money they should have received. The deal means victims of terminal
cancer who are entitled to compensation fees in the region of £100,000
from former asbestos giant Turner and Newall will receive only £20,000,
20p in the pound. Risks 274, 16 September 2006
Britain:
Union warning on classroom killer
Unions in the north of England have warned that teachers are contracting
fatal asbestos cancers by putting children's work up on walls using drawing
pins. Eight school staff in Northumberland, Gateshead, North Tyneside,
Sunderland and County Durham are seeking compensation from education authorities
after getting asbestos-related cancers and a number of claims have been
settled already. Risks 274, 16 September 2006
Britain:
Six figure payout for teacher’s asbestos death
The relatives of Tameside teacher John Murphy, killed as a result of exposure
to asbestos in his classroom, have received compensation. Risks 274, 16 September 2006
Global:
Asbestos is bad news everywhere
The global asbestos disease epidemic continues to be bad news worldwide,
suggests new reports from India, Japan and Spain. Risks 273, 9 September 2006
Europe:
Europe-wide asbestos campaign launched
The European Commission has launching a publicity campaign in all 25 European
Union member states to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos exposure.
It says the European Asbestos Campaign 2006 slogan will be ‘Asbestos
is deadly serious – prevent exposure’. Risks 273, 9 September 2006
Britain:
Handwashing led to asbestos cancer
A retired nurse died from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma after being
exposed to fibres while handwashing her partner's work overalls. An inquest
held at Northampton General Hospital heard that Myrtle Octavia Gordon,
who died on 21 February, inhaled the deadly fibres while cleaning the
clothes of her partner, who worked in a Northamptonshire factory for 25
years, or from a short spell working in a car parts factory in Birmingham.
Risks 272, 2 September 2006
Canada:
End in sight to asbestos addiction?
For the past 20 years, Canada has had a policy of aggressively promoting
asbestos use. But the country’s federal government is now considering
whether it will continue the country's association with a known and potent
industrial killer and may end its long-running cash and political support
for the industry front organisation, the Chrysotile Institute. Risks 272, 2 September 2006
New
Zealand: Asbestos victim takes on James Hardie
New Zealand cancer victim and former carpenter Ken Hurley is taking on
corporate giant James Hardie Industries. Last year multinational James
Hardie agreed to create a multi-billion dollar fund to compensate Australian
victims of asbestos related diseases. Risks 270, 19 August 2006
Britain:
Dockyard laundry may have saved women’s lives
Laundry facilities at Devonport Dockyard may have helped save women's
lives in Plymouth. The suggestion comes in the latest annual report from
the government’s Chief Medical Officer, noting the “striking
difference” between the proportion of women to men in Plymouth falling
victim to the asbestos cancer mesothelioma compared with other shipyard
areas. Risks 268, 5 August 2006
Britain:
Moves to speed up mesothelioma claims
The government has announced interim measures to speed up compensation
claims for mesothelioma sufferers. In a written ministerial statement
Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton said that a number of initiatives
had been developed as a result of discussions between the TUC, Association
of British Insurers, and Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. Risks 266, 22 July 2006
Britain:
Government makes good for asbestos victims
The government delighted campaigners for justice for the victims of asbestos
by rushing through an amendment to the compensation bill which had the
effect of reversing a House of Lords ruling which would have reduced the
amount of compensation received by many victims of asbestos or their dependants.
Risks 266, 22 July 2006
Zimbabwe:
Asbestos industry fights to the death
Zimbabwe’s leading chrysotile asbestos producer says it will increase
its search for new export markets in response to the growing campaign
for a global asbestos ban. Risks 264, 8 July 2006
Britain:
Widow welcomes new asbestos law
An asbestos widow has welcomed the government commitment to ensure asbestos
victims do not lose out on compensation as a result of a House of Lords
ruling. Risks 264, 8 July 2006
Global:
Asbestos industry continues “safe use” con
The asbestos industry and its friends are continuing to claim they have
International Labour Organisation (ILO) support for the continued use
of asbestos, despite an ILO resolution expressly refuting this claim.
A spate of recent press stories would appear to be part of an ongoing
charm offensive by the asbestos. Risks 263, 1 July 2006
Britain:
Widow wins asbestos lung cancer battle
The widow of a Birmingham man, who died from lung cancer after being exposed
to asbestos, has won her legal battle for compensation. Bill Byrne, a
former scaffolder died in 2002 aged 71 -seven years earlier his brother,
Bob, who had worked alongside him at Mills Scaffolding and Lyndon Scaffolding
during the 1950s and 60s, died aged 61, from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma.
Risks 263, 1 July 2006
USA:
'Smoking gun' found in asbestos case
An insurance giant that tried to evade payment of asbestos compensation
in the UK, is facing the prospect of a massive asbestos bill in the US
after it inadvertently handed over a “smoking gun” document
in a court battle with General Motors. Royal & SunAlliance is attempting
to recover the document that the US car manufacturer claims to be the
killer evidence in its $1bn (£550m) lawsuit over personal injury
liabilities linked to asbestos. Risks 263, 1 July 2006
Britain:
Government stands up for asbestos victims
The TUC has welcomed the government’s announcement that it is to
amend the Compensation Bill to reverse last month's House of Lords ruling
that slashed the compensation payments made to mesothelioma sufferers
and their families. Risks 262, 24 June 2006
Global:
ILO to promote global asbestos ban
The International Labour Office (ILO) is to pursue a global ban on asbestos,
the world’s biggest ever industrial killer. The landmark decision
came with the adoption of a resolution on 14 June at the ILO conference
in Geneva and followed a high level union campaign. ILO to promote global
asbestos ban, Hazards interview with ILO SafeWork director
Jukka Takala, 20 June 2006.
Britain:
The human tragedy behind the campaign
The government’s move to ensure asbestos cancer victims receive
compensation and ILO’s push for a global ban come as deaths from
Britain’s worst occupational killer continue to grow. Risks 262, 24 June 2006
Italy/Belgium:
Asbestos bosses get suspended jail terms
Former bosses of the Italian subsidiary of an asbestos multinational have
received suspended prison terms for workplace safety crimes. Karel Vinck,
a top Belgian manager who used to be at the head of the Italian subsidiary
of the asbestos cement giant Eternit in the 1970s, was given a suspended
three-year prison sentence by a Sicilian Court last month, together with
seven other former managers. Risks 262, 24 June 2006
Britain:
BECTU launches asbestos register
Theatre and TV technicians’ union BECTU says it has seen an upturn
in the number of members seeking advice on asbestos and has set up an
asbestos register to ensure exposures are recorded. Risks 262, 24 June 2006
Britain:
Blair ‘to change’ asbestos ruling
Tony Blair says he is hoping to change a ruling that will stop bereaved
spouses receiving full compensation for their partner’s deaths from
an asbestos related cancer. The TUC welcomed the announcement from the
prime minister, made this week at a GMB conference in Blackpool, that
the government hopes to overturn the recent Barker judgement on the amount
of compensation payable to the victims of mesothelioma and their families.
Risks 261, 17 June 2006
Global:
French government calls for worldwide asbestos ban
France has called on the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to ban
asbestos all over the world. The proposal was presented by junior employment
minister Gerard Larcher at the ILO’s annual conference in Geneva.
Risks 260, 10 June 2006
Britain:
Dockers can sue government on asbestos
A retired docker who suffers from an asbestos-related illness has welcomed
a High Court decision allowing him to sue the government for compensation.
Robert Thompson, 65, won the right to take legal action along with docker's
widow Winifred Rice. Risks 259, 3 June 2006 • John
Pickering and Partners news release
Britain:
Government bid to speed up asbestos payouts
The government has said it wants to see swifter compensation settlements
for mesothelioma sufferers and their families. Work and pensions secretary
John Hutton said his department will work with the Association of British
Insurers, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and the Department
for Constitutional Affairs to urgently identify ways to speed up the settlement
of claims for the asbestos-related cancer. Risks 257, 20 May 2006
Britain:
Government must act now for asbestos victim justice
A House of Lords ruling which will cut millions from compensation payouts
to asbestos cancer sufferers and their families has been condemned by
TGWU general secretary Tony Woodley, who has called for the government
to act immediately to change the law and restore compensation. Risks 257, 20 May 2006
Britain:
School asbestos linked to another death
Another death has been linked to occupational exposure to asbestos in
a school. Victor Kirk, 66, a divorced retired caretaker from Paignton,
died from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma on 6 April. Risks 256, 13 May 2006
Britain:
Asbestos site advert ‘misleading’
The firms bidding to re-develop a former asbestos factory for housing
published a misleading advert downplaying asbestos risks, a watchdog has
ruled. After complaints from asbestos campaigners, the Advertising Standards
Authority said claims about levels of asbestos at the site were misleading,
in what is believed to be first case where ASA has been used to expose
company spin on an occupational health-related issue. Risks 256, 13 May 2006
Global:
Asbestos and corporate greed
A group of Euro MPs has published a devastating criticism of the asbestos
industry and its continuing promotion of the worldwide asbestos trade.
‘Asbestos: The human cost of corporate greed’ was launched
by the European United Left/Nordic Green Left Group (GUE/NGL) ahead of
Workers’ Memorial Day, at a 27 April press conference in the European
Parliament in Brussels. GUE/NGL
website
Britain:
Asbestos ruling will mean thousands lose out
Asbestos cancer victims have been made to pay the price for their employers’
negligence, top legal experts have said. Negligent employers will not
be liable to pay 100 per cent compensation if other culpable employers
have gone out of business and their insurers cannot be found. Thompson
Solicitors • Irwin
Mitchell news release • Risks 255, 6
May 2006
Britain:
Lords slash asbestos payouts
Thousands of widows will not receive full compensation for their husbands'
deaths from asbestos-related cancer, Law Lords have ruled. The 3 May majority
decision will mean there will be a compensation limit in cases involving
several employers, none of whom can be blamed categorically for the onset
of the fatal illness. Risks 255, 6 May 2006 • Barker (Respondent)
v. Corus (UK) plc (Appellants) (formerly Barker (Respondent) v. Saint
Gobain Pipelines plc (Appellants)) Murray (widow and executrix of the
estate of John Lawrence Murray (deceased)) (Respondent) v. British Shipbuilders
(Hydrodynamics) Limited (Appellants) and others and others (Appellants)
Patterson (son and executor of the estate of J Patterson (deceased)) (Respondent)
v. Smiths Dock Limited (Appellants) and others (Conjoined Appeals. Full
House of Lords judgment
Britain:
Unions warn HSE on asbestos risks
Trade unions and safety campaigners have reiterated their warning to the
Health and Safety Executive about proposed alterations to the regulations
covering asbestos work. The warning came ahead of a Construction Safety
Campaign organised march and rally in London on Workers’ Memorial
Day, 28 April, supported by construction sector unions and south-east
region TUC, SERTUC. Risks 255, 6 May 2006
Global:
International support for asbestos campaign
Unions worldwide called for global ban on asbestos, as part of the 28
April Workers’ Memorial Day activities. The call, spearheaded by
global building and wood union federation BWI, saw action in countries
from Argentina and Burkina Faso to Zambia and Zimbabwe. Workers’ Memorial Day events worldwide, Hazards,
29 April 2006
Britain:
Pottery work linked to asbestos cancer
A retired pottery worker has submitted a damages claim against Royal Doulton
amid allegations the former bone china giant left him with the asbestos
cancer mesothelioma. John Shenton, 72, claims 12 years spent working for
the famous pottery company - when it was Allied English Potteries - exposed
him to dust from Asbestolux material. Risks 254, 29 April 2006
Canada:
Generations pay for asbestos trade
There has been a visible rise in the number of people in Canada who never
worked with asbestos yet are at risk of its illnesses because they were
incidentally exposed to asbestos. Many of the victims of these “bystander”
cases as dying young because were exposed to asbestos as children to contamination
on a parent’s work clothes. Risks 253, 22 April 2006
Britain:
Widow seeks help in compensation quest
The widow of a nuclear physics researcher who died from cancer after working
with asbestos has appealed to former workmates for help with her compensation
claim. Julia Holmes is preparing a case against her husband Michael's
former employer, Rutherford Laboratories of Didcot. Risks 253, 22 April 2006
Britain:
Son's quest for asbestos information
The son of a Doncaster man who died after being exposed to asbestos at
work is appealing to his father's former work colleagues for information
about his working conditions. Tony Richards, from Kirk Sandall, died on
19 September 2003 at the age of 60 from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma.
Risks 253, 22 April 2006
Britain:
Woman mourns two asbestos deaths
A woman from Kent who lost her husband to an asbestos-related cancer has
now lost her new partner to the same disease. Risks 253, 22 April 2006
USA:
Union takes on asbestos tests
A union-backed health and safety centre is screening US sheet metal workers
for asbestos related diseases. The nationwide screening programme is being
undertaken by the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute, which says
it takes about 20 years of exposure to asbestos before scarring of the
lungs or other problems can be detected. Risks 251, 8 April 2006
Britain:
Asbestos misery continues
Asbestos continues to blight the lives of workers and their families,
causing deaths from cancer, breathing disorders and “natural causes”
like heart disease. Risks 251, 8 April 2006
Britain:
Union alert prompts schools asbestos warning
Schools have been issued new official guidelines for dealing with classroom
asbestos after teaching union NUT revealed over 100 teachers have died
from contact with the substance in the past 20 years. NUT had urged HSE
to reissue the advice after one of its members, Gina Lees, died aged 51
from an asbestos cancer, one of a series of recent asbestos-related deaths
affecting school staff. Risks 251, 8 April 2006
Britain:
Petition calls for global asbestos ban
An international petition is aiming to promote the union-driven campaign
for a global asbestos ban. The petition will be presented to key international
agencies on 28 April, International Workers’ Memorial Day. Risks 250, 1 April 2006
Britain:
Asbestos dangers “being ignored”
A Health and Safety Executive official has said there is still a “worrying”
lack of awareness of asbestos risks. Bill McKay, principal inspector for
construction and asbestos licensing at HSE’s Newcastle office, said
he is shocked by the way materials containing dangerous asbestos fibres
are being handled. Risks 249, 25 March 2006
India:
Moves to expand asbestos mining
The Indian government is looking to expand asbestos mining in the country.
It has asked the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) to work out necessary safeguards
to resume mining. Risks 248, 18 March 2006
Britain:
Concern grows about school asbestos risk
The deaths of more teachers from asbestos related cancers is leading to
increased concern about exposures in schools. A Carlisle primary school
is at the centre of the latest health scare after its former headteacher
died from an asbestos-related cancer and a Devon man warned his teacher
wife died after pinning children’s artwork to asbestos tiles in
a classroom. Risks 248, 18 March 2006
Britain:
Washing work clothes caused mum’s cancer death A pensioner died because she used to handwash the clothes of
her son and husband which had been contaminated with asbestos. At an inquest
at Oxford Coroner's Court David Gardiner said his mother, Constance Mary
Gardiner, used to regularly wash his work clothes when he worked in the
installation industry between 1965 and 1973. Risks 248, 18 March 2006
Britain:
Asbestos kills 57 year old
A man who had lived a healthy life died aged 57 as a result of asbestos
exposure more than 30 years ago. Allen Hurst worked stripping buildings
in his 20s and died of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. Risks 248, 18 March 2006
Britain:
HSE asbestos study fails to reassure unions
New HSE research into the fibre levels released when asbestos coatings
like artex are removed has been criticised by unions. TUC representatives
on the Health and Safety Commission have expressed concern, in particular
at its failure to cover sanding of artex and at the levels of asbestos
fibre found in other work. Risks 248, 18 March 2006
Britain:
Council says safety reps make safer schools
Union safety reps and active safety committees have made Brent schools
a safer place, a council boss has said. Speaking to almost 300 delegates
at a healthy schools conference hosted jointly by Brent Council and the
school unions ATL, GMB, NASUWT, NUT, UNISON, council leader Ann John said:
“The number of trained school safety representatives and safety
committees in Brent has risen to well above the national average and that
means Brent schools are becoming safer and healthier.” Brent
NUT news release • HSC Safety Representatives’
Charter for the education sector [pdf]
Global:
Asbestos trade renews its scare tactics
The growing pressure for a global asbestos ban is spurring a renewed public
relations push by the industry in a desperate attempt to rehabilitate
the deadly fibre. Indonesia, Zimbabwe and India have been recent targets.
Risks 247, 11 March 2006
Britain:
New attempt to rob dying asbestos victims
Bereaved relatives from around the UK, who have seen family members die
from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma, are to protest outside the House
of Lords on Monday 13 March. The protest marks the start of a legal challenge
brought by asbestos industry giant Saint Gobain Pipelines plc in a bid
to drastically reduce its asbestos compensation liabilities, with a knock-on
effect for all claimants. Risks 247, 11 March 2006
Global:
Union protests to target asbestos trade
A global union federation is to target the asbestos trade with international
protests, in a bid to end a “global health calamity”. The
Building and Wood Workers International (BWI), a federation of construction
unions representing 12m workers worldwide, says on 28 April there will
be peaceful demonstrations and petitions at Canadian embassies and consulates
to convince the Canadian government to call a halt to its aggressive marketing
and promotion of asbestos in developing countries such as India, Zimbabwe
and Brazil. Risks 246, 4 March 2006
Britain:
Insurers accused of abandoning asbestos victims
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has been accused of washing
its hands of pleural plaques victims. Asbestos disease victims’
lawyers say they are “extremely disappointed” ABI has refused
to support moves to put plaques cases on hold until legal appeals have
been heard in the House of Lords. Risks 246, 4 March 2006
Britain:
Asbestos campaigners press for action
A massive campaign effort by asbestos campaigners and trades unions has
highlighted the plight of asbestos disease victims. Events were held nationwide,
with the activities to highlight rising deaths from the deadly asbestos
cancer supported by the TUC and UK unions. Risks 246, 4 March 2006
Britain:
Asbestos cancers continue to kill
A widower who was exposed to asbestos during his job as a flooring specialist
died many years later because of his contact with the deadly fibres. At
an inquest earlier this month into the death of George Thompson, Herts
Coroner Edward Thomas recorded a verdict of death by industrial disease.
Risks 245, 25 February 2006
Britain:
Action Mesothelioma Day, 27 February
Unions and asbestos disease organisations are backing a national Action
Mesothelioma Day on 27 February. The day aims to highlight the issue of
mesothelioma - or meso - an asbestos cancer which already kills almost
2,000 people each year in the UK, or about one every five hours. Risks 245, 25 February 2006
Britain:
Asbestos banned but still a killer
Asbestos may now be banned but the fatal fibres could still be lurking
in up to 1.5 million shops, factories and offices across the UK, the TUC
is warning. The union body is launching a major new safety drive aimed
at preventing more workers from being exposed to the killer substance
which currently claims over 4,000 lives a year. Risks 245, 25 February 2006
France/India:
French court sinks plan to scrap 'toxic' ship
France's latest attempt to dispose of a 50-year-old warship riddled with
asbestos ran aground this week when the country's highest court suspended
plans to scrap Le Clemenceau in India. Risks 244, 18 February 2006
Britain:
Grandfather killed by work with asbestos A grandfather who worked most of his life for British Rail
died as a result of exposure to asbestos, an inquest has heard. Leonard
Foster, 64, of Appleby, started work cleaning steam engines as a 15-year-old,
and in a statement written before his death he said he was regularly exposed
to asbestos at work. Risks 243, 11 February 2006
Britain:
“Dreadful” asbestos ruling will rob victims of £1bn
The Court of Appeal has overturned a ruling that thousands of people suffering
from an asbestos-related condition should receive compensation. Insurance
companies, which now stand to save over £1bn, had appealed against
a judgment that pleural plaques, a scarring of the lungs, could indicate
a future risk of disease and were source of considerable stress to affected
workers. Risks 242, 4 February 2006
Britain:
Asbestos fine “peanuts” says union
The £136,000 fines and costs bill facing an egg box company that
left its workforce exposed to deadly asbestos lagging for over a decade
has been described as “peanuts” by a union. Risks 242, 4 February 2006
Britain:
More deaths caused by deadly asbestos
More workers have fallen victim to an early death from asbestos cancer.
Surveyor Bryn Garfield. 55, died from mesothelioma during eight years
as a buildings maintenance worker and carpenter Bryan Littlewood, 68,
died from the same cancer. Risks 241, 28 January 2006
Global:
Asbestos trade’s lingering death
Asbestos exposure remains a massive public health challenge worldwide,
the International Labour Office (ILO) has said. “Asbestos is one
of the most, if not the most important single factor causing work-related
fatalities, and is increasingly seen as the major health policy challenge
worldwide”, said Jukka Takala, director of ILO’s Safework
programme Risks 239, 14 January 2006
Global:
International asbestos conference, Glasgow, 27 February
An international asbestos conference in Glasgow, Scotland, on 27 February
– International Mesothelioma Day – will feature leading campaign,
medical, political and legal experts from around the world. Risks 239, 14 January 2006
Britain:
Factory work linked to asbestos deaths
Factory workers with only incidental exposure to asbestos are concerned
they could be at increased risk of cancer after seeing colleagues succumb
to the disease. Risks 239, 14 January 2006
Britain:
Asbestos payout slashed for smoker's widow
A court has ruled that a Devon worker was "negligent" for smoking
and has cut his widow's asbestos disease compensation payout. Beryl Badger
was told that husband Reg, a boilermaker at Devonport military docks,
had been warned about the risks of smoking. Risks 238, 7 January 2006
