Rachel Reeves (pictured), Labour MP for Leeds West and new chairperson of the Asbestos in Schools (AiS) group, has called on the Education Secretary to deal more effectively with the longstanding problem of asbestos in our schools. The threat posed by asbestos-containing materials when they degrade over time has been a significant concern for teachers, […]
The significant danger posed by asbestos in domestic properties was brought to light recently when amosite from the loft insulation of a fire-damaged house was found in neighbouring gardens. The fatal fire caused significant damage to the roof of the house near Consett, and residents claim the roof cavity was not covered for several weeks. […]
It is hoped that a new drug will prove to be the breakthrough needed in the treatment of advanced lung cancer. Current success rates for treating this disease at an advanced stage are poor, with 81% of patients reportedly passing away within a year of diagnosis. The new drug, called Nivolumab, is still in the […]
Even though Australia imposed a total ban on asbestos at the end of 2003, products containing the carcinogenic material are still finding their way into the country. The Guardian recently reported on the cheap asbestos-containing materials that are slipping through Australia’s borders from India and China, and the potential implications of their use. Materials from […]
Companies House are considering removing company details from their database six years after a company becomes defunct. This would make it almost impossible for asbestos victims to claim compensation from liable employers. Although awareness of the health and safety issues surrounding asbestos is high these days, victims currently experiencing symptoms would have been exposed to […]
Statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show the number of men dying from occupational asbestos-related disease is far greater than the figure for women. In 2014, there were 2,101 male deaths and 414 female deaths from mesothelioma. These figures reflect an era of widespread asbestos use, along with high exposure rates for men […]
An extensive search that reached to the other side of the world has resulted in a large compensation payout for the widow of an asbestos victim who died from mesothelioma. Mary Atkins, whose husband Richard was exposed to asbestos over 50 years ago, has been awarded £228k thanks to her determination to obtain justice for […]
A ruling by the Court of Appeal has set a baseline for asbestosis compensation claims. Historically, a general lack of awareness among employees working with asbestos products has led to the current high mortality rates and incidences of severe health problems from asbestos-related disease. When making a compensation claim for asbestosis, the legal profession sometimes […]
A secondary school in Chelmsford has been fined £26,000 and ordered to pay £20,000 in costs for breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974. Failing to put a plan in place to manage asbestos in the school led to maintenance workers, staff and pupils being exposed to asbestos debris and dust. Tom Forster […]