Worker compensated after asbestos link
A retired power station worker from Newark in Nottinghamshire, has received a substantial sum of compensation after he was diagnosed with asbestosis, with a 20 per cent disability, in 2008 after suffering from a chest infection.
Investigations by injury lawyers working on behalf of the man found that he was negligently exposed to asbestos, while working for a firm at Littlebrook Power Station between 1951 and 1983.
The 85-year-old man said the condition has left him breathless and unable to do the gardening and other jobs around the house.
He worked for the group, which is now owned by RWE Npower PLC, for more than 32 years in a variety of roles. He remembers being exposed to asbestos on a regular basis but was not warned of the dangers or given any protection.
Following his diagnosis the man, who has two sons and two grandchildren, contacted his trade union Unite, which instructed asbestos compensation claims specialists at the legal firm, to pursue a claim on the man's behalf. The firm finalised the claim for the worker within 10 months.
My employer gambled with my health
The man said: "When the doctor told me I had asbestos in both lungs I was angry about the way my employer had gambled with my health. When I found out I could claim compensation I was determined to pursue it."
Unite regional secretary Adrian Axtell said: "We are pleased we have been able to assist our member to obtain compensation."
Mr Axtell also said: "Asbestosis can be a debilitating progressive disease which could have been avoided if employers had adopted a more responsible attitude towards workplace health and safety. We will continue to fight for full and prompt compensation for our members who have been harmed by negligent employers."
David Fisher from the legal firm, added: "Asbestosis is a crippling respiratory disease caused by prolonged or heavy doses of asbestos exposure."
He concluded by saying: "It was possible to bring the man's compensation claim to a successful conclusion quickly and efficiently because of the free specialist support he received through contacting his trade union."
It could be easy for workers to make compensation claims for work related accidents - as new proposals have been announced that could help the thousands of people who are affected by serious industrial diseases, and thus miss out on compensation because they cannot trace their employers' insurance records.
Workers can track employer's liability policies
Plans to create an Employers' Liability Tracing Office have been set out in a consultation paper which, according to the Department for Work and Pensions, would help people track down their employers' public liability insurance policies.
The plan also includes details of a long-awaited Employers' Liability Insurance Bureau to provide a fund for those who are unable to trace the relevant insurer.
Bridget Collier, an injury lawyer who specialises in industrial disease, said: "It takes many years after exposure to asbestos before any related disease becomes apparent, which can make finding information about the employer very difficult. It's wrong that victims can go uncompensated because of this."
Bridget also added: "We hope the new ELIB and Tracing Office can help ensure victims of industrial disease finally receive the compensation they deserve. We are pleased that it is finally to be considered with the consultation paper, and hope that the momentum continue whatever happens in the General Election in May."
Updated on 12/02/2010