Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2023 – it’s about the families, not the fibres

Despite the use of asbestos being banned in the UK in 1999, this toxic substance is still present in our hospitals, schools, and homes.

We know this. Medical staff know this. Government officials know this - there are even specialist teams monitoring it.

But why is asbestos just being monitored? Why is it not being removed? Why are people still being left to die?

This is why Global Asbestos Awareness Week is important.

This campaign encourages us to look beyond asbestos as a substance and instead focus on the families, the lost friends, and the kind of future we want our children to inherit.

Our Industrial Disease Partners, Fraser Simpson and Euan Love, took the time to discuss why Global Asbestos Awareness Week matters.

Even though asbestos was known to be toxic, workers were not always given a well-ventilated workspace and protective clothing.

In fact, many of these protective measures were blatantly ignored – and then decades later workers would succumb to asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis and pleural plaques.

Fraser, who is the Head of the Industrial Disease team, said: “Recent figures showed that over 5000 people a year die from asbestos disease. That compares with just over 1600 people who have died on our roads in the UK each year.

“We're seeing more incidental trades, those who have worked in construction, joiners, heating engineers. But sadly, we're even now seeing a new generation of those affected by asbestos: those who maybe don't have any obvious occupational exposure.”

Euan added: “The individuals worked all their lives and they do not know that there is this substance in their bodies that will at some point trigger and cause an asbestos related disease.”

This is why specialist legal advice matters

The Industrial Disease team is constantly in contact with people who suffer from asbestos diseases. One key aspect of the support Fraser, Euan and the rest of the team offer is to reassure sufferers and families that they are not to blame.

Euan said: “We have to reassure clients that somebody was at fault.

“They're often reluctant to go ahead with the case and they think ‘nobody knew it was dangerous, so why would anybody have to compensate me for this?’

“We try and explain to clients that they've been left in this position because of a failure on the part of, usually, their employer, to look after their safety.”

Asbestos Awareness Matters

Many asbestos-related conditions are relatively benign meaning they will not necessarily develop into anything more sinister. However even benign conditions are a clear indicator that somebody has been exposed to asbestos – and are at risk of developing something more serious.

Fraser said: “As lawyers, we can do something to assist to protect against that risk occurring.

“We can ensure that not only are your legal interests properly looked after, but your wider interests, benefits, pastoral care, wider support. We can ensure that all these relevant support services are available to you.”

The Industrial Disease team regularly supports charities such as Asbestos Action and Clydebank Asbestos Group through things like walking challenges and other fundraising activities.

Our people also proudly sit on the Mesothelioma UK Legal Panel which provides crucial legal support to mesothelioma patients and their families.

There are very few solicitors in the UK who specialise in asbestos disease work and, as if coming to terms with a diagnosis isn't hard enough, many people who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases don’t know who to turn to as a result.

Fraser said: “My advice to anyone diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease is don’t do nothing.”

Euan added: “The law is changing, the legal landscape is changing, the medical landscape is changing, and to keep on top of it, you need to be doing these cases day in, day out, and you need to work alongside asbestos support groups such as Clydebank Asbestos Group and Asbestos Action, who can provide support in terms of benefits, but crucially in terms of emotional support.”

Fraser concluded: “The more we can do to raise awareness of the dangers and the risks that asbestos poses, not just to past generations but to future generations, then the better, the greater number of avoidable deaths can be reduced.”

If you or a loved one have been affected by an asbestos-related disease contact our Legal Enquiries Team who can help you discuss your options.

Image