TUC Risks 23 March 2007 www.tuc.org.uk
Reported that a trade union study carried out by the Danish Confederation of Construction Workers, (BAT-Cartel) has identified high levels of occupational cancers in construction workers in Denmark. Researchers analysed statistics in the Danish National Cancer Registry and they found a range of jobs had a statistically significant risk for a range of cancers, many associated with asbestos exposure.
Rates of lung cancer and mesothelioma in plumbers were over three times the expected level. In carpenters, joiners and electricians, mesothelioma was more than twice the expected rate, and higher still in insulators at over six times the expected figure.
In response to the union analysis, the Danish minister for employment, Claus Hjort Frederiksen, announced that the Asbestos Act would be amended so that the Danish Cancer Registry would automatically register cancer cases with the National Board of Industrial Injuries. The BAT-Cartel says this should ensure that people who have occupationally contracted asbestos-related lung cancer will be compensated. It is now demanding a national action plan on asbestos, including a national asbestos registry and a duty on employers to manage asbestos.
Tuesday, 27 March 2007
Extraterrestrial: Lunar dust 'may harm astronauts'
TUC Risks 23rd March 2007 www.tuc.org.uk
Reported that scientists are investigating the possible threat to astronauts of inhaling lunar dust.
A study suggests the smallest particles in lunar dust might be cause lung scarring and other health effects.
Nasa, the US space agency has set up a working group to look into the matter ahead of its planned return to the Moon by 2020. Astronaut Harrison H (Jack) Schmitt, the last man to step on to the Moon in Apollo 17, complained of 'lunar dust hay fever' when his dirty space suit contaminated the habitation module after an energetic foray on the lunar surface.
Nasa is now keen to assess the effects of more prolonged exposure and to address the problem before humans are sent back to the Moon in just over a decade. The researchers suggest it is possible lunar dust could cause fibrosis, or scarring of the lungs, similar to that caused by asbestos or silica.
Professor Larry Taylor, director of the Planetary Geosciences Institute at Tennessee said: 'The medical doctors are interested in things that are less than about three microns. So we did some particle size determinations and discovered that a very large portion of lunar soil is potentially dangerous, approximately 1-3 per cent of the total soil by weight.' Other possible concerns are the minute nano-sized particles which could pass directly from the lung into the bloodstream.
Reported that scientists are investigating the possible threat to astronauts of inhaling lunar dust.
A study suggests the smallest particles in lunar dust might be cause lung scarring and other health effects.
Nasa, the US space agency has set up a working group to look into the matter ahead of its planned return to the Moon by 2020. Astronaut Harrison H (Jack) Schmitt, the last man to step on to the Moon in Apollo 17, complained of 'lunar dust hay fever' when his dirty space suit contaminated the habitation module after an energetic foray on the lunar surface.
Nasa is now keen to assess the effects of more prolonged exposure and to address the problem before humans are sent back to the Moon in just over a decade. The researchers suggest it is possible lunar dust could cause fibrosis, or scarring of the lungs, similar to that caused by asbestos or silica.
Professor Larry Taylor, director of the Planetary Geosciences Institute at Tennessee said: 'The medical doctors are interested in things that are less than about three microns. So we did some particle size determinations and discovered that a very large portion of lunar soil is potentially dangerous, approximately 1-3 per cent of the total soil by weight.' Other possible concerns are the minute nano-sized particles which could pass directly from the lung into the bloodstream.
Pair jailed for asbestos crimes
TUC Risks 23 March 2007 www.tuc.org.uk
Persistent flouting of asbestos laws has finally resulted in imprisonment for two demolition men from Bradford, 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. His foreman, 61-year-old Leonard Imeson, was jailed for four months. Both men had pleaded guilty.
The court heard how they were paid to remove building waste from companies across Yorkshire, but boosted their profits by illegally dumping it.
A third man, Neil Medley, 45, was given 100 hours community service after he pleaded guilty to two offences of falsifying documents. Medley had an earlier April 1999 conviction for safety and child labour offences, after employing schoolchildren to remove asbestos. On that occasion he was ordered to do 240 hours community service, a decision which caused outrage, with the TUC, unions and campaigners all calling for a substantial jail term.
Persistent flouting of asbestos laws has finally resulted in imprisonment for two demolition men from Bradford, 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. His foreman, 61-year-old Leonard Imeson, was jailed for four months. Both men had pleaded guilty.
The court heard how they were paid to remove building waste from companies across Yorkshire, but boosted their profits by illegally dumping it.
A third man, Neil Medley, 45, was given 100 hours community service after he pleaded guilty to two offences of falsifying documents. Medley had an earlier April 1999 conviction for safety and child labour offences, after employing schoolchildren to remove asbestos. On that occasion he was ordered to do 240 hours community service, a decision which caused outrage, with the TUC, unions and campaigners all calling for a substantial jail term.
TUC welcomes speedier payments for asbestos compensation
TUC Press Release 17th March 2007 - www.tuc.org.uk
Welcoming new Government proposals that will speed up the payment of compensation to the people suffering from mesothelioma, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
'People who have worked with asbestos and who, as a result, are suffering from mesothelioma don't have time on their side so the Government is to be congratulated for ensuring that the victims of this terrible disease get quicker access to justice and compensation.
'Although it can take 40 years after asbestos exposure for mesothelioma to develop, once it has got a hold on a victim's lungs, death comes quickly. Mesothelioma victims will be relieved to learn that they won't have to wait long for compensation, and that their families will be provided for after their deaths.'
More payouts and faster for asbestos disease. -
For the first time government proposals that will speed up payouts to people suffering from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma will include compensation for those not exposed while working.
Work and pensions secretary John Hutton this week set out proposals to provide faster compensation to all people diagnosed with mesothelioma. Under current rules only people who contract the disease from exposure to asbestos at work are eligible to claim a lump sum from the state.
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.
The minister said the government is 'committed to ensuring that everyone with mesothelioma can receive compensation, irrespective of their employment history. This legislation would mean that once diagnosed, every sufferer should receive a substantial payment within six weeks of making a claim.' TGWU director of legal services Fergus Whitty said: 'It is vital that sufferers of mesothelioma receive payments speedily as the disease can develop rapidly, so we welcome the government's proposals.' He added: The union notes that the number of cases will peak in the year 2025, so assistance for mesothelioma sufferers should continue to be improved.'
Welcoming new Government proposals that will speed up the payment of compensation to the people suffering from mesothelioma, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
'People who have worked with asbestos and who, as a result, are suffering from mesothelioma don't have time on their side so the Government is to be congratulated for ensuring that the victims of this terrible disease get quicker access to justice and compensation.
'Although it can take 40 years after asbestos exposure for mesothelioma to develop, once it has got a hold on a victim's lungs, death comes quickly. Mesothelioma victims will be relieved to learn that they won't have to wait long for compensation, and that their families will be provided for after their deaths.'
More payouts and faster for asbestos disease. -
For the first time government proposals that will speed up payouts to people suffering from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma will include compensation for those not exposed while working.
Work and pensions secretary John Hutton this week set out proposals to provide faster compensation to all people diagnosed with mesothelioma. Under current rules only people who contract the disease from exposure to asbestos at work are eligible to claim a lump sum from the state.
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.
The minister said the government is 'committed to ensuring that everyone with mesothelioma can receive compensation, irrespective of their employment history. This legislation would mean that once diagnosed, every sufferer should receive a substantial payment within six weeks of making a claim.' TGWU director of legal services Fergus Whitty said: 'It is vital that sufferers of mesothelioma receive payments speedily as the disease can develop rapidly, so we welcome the government's proposals.' He added: The union notes that the number of cases will peak in the year 2025, so assistance for mesothelioma sufferers should continue to be improved.'
Wednesday, 7 March 2007
Asbestos Disability Benefit
The Department of Work and Pensions, (DWP) offers valuable advice on benefits payable to those who have developed certain work related diseases.
The Industrial Injuries Scheme provides non-contributory no-fault benefits for disablement because of an accident at work, or because of one of over 70 prescribed diseases known to be a risk from certain jobs.
We have created a link below to the list of diseases covered by Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. It is not a complete list of jobs and you should not be put off claiming just because your job is not listed. If in doubt, claim.
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/db1/appendix/appendix1.asp
The Industrial Injuries Scheme provides non-contributory no-fault benefits for disablement because of an accident at work, or because of one of over 70 prescribed diseases known to be a risk from certain jobs.
We have created a link below to the list of diseases covered by Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. It is not a complete list of jobs and you should not be put off claiming just because your job is not listed. If in doubt, claim.
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/db1/appendix/appendix1.asp
Tuesday, 6 March 2007
Asbestos at UK's first eco village
It was reported in the Northern Echo on 6th March 2007 that an old factory that could become the UK's first eco village might pose a serious asbestos threat.The owners of the former Paton and Baldwins factory in Darlington, want it to become a flagship ecological community, with low energy offices, homes and leisure facilities.
But at least nine ex-Paton and Baldwins employees have won compensation after suffering from asbestosis. More are in the process of claiming.
One worker said redeveloping the site could be "like a bomb going off". However, the estates manager said appropriate safety measures would be taken.
To read the full story go to the following link:
http://www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/display.var.1237314.0.uks_first_eco_village_hit_by_asbestos_claims.php
Two companies fined £35,000
The Government news network announced on 28th February 2007, that two companies were fined a total of £25,000 and ordered to pay 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.
In The Pink Leisure Ltd was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £4,753 in costs, and their contractor Eclipse Developments Ltd, were fined £15,000 and ordered to pay £6,535 costs.
The cases arose following an HSE visit to the site of a new night club operated by In The Pink Leisure Ltd.
A substantial amount of asbestos insulating board and flock asbestos was disturbed while refurbishment was being carried out. The site was closed for a number of week while a licensed asbestos contractor carried out an environmental clean and removed the remaining asbestos.
HSE warned companies to ensure that proper measures are taken to prevent employees being exposed to asbestos.
To read the full story click on the link below:
http://www.gnn.gov.uk/content/detail.asp?ReleaseID=267713&NewsAreaID=112&NavigatedFromSearch=True
In The Pink Leisure Ltd was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £4,753 in costs, and their contractor Eclipse Developments Ltd, were fined £15,000 and ordered to pay £6,535 costs.
The cases arose following an HSE visit to the site of a new night club operated by In The Pink Leisure Ltd.
A substantial amount of asbestos insulating board and flock asbestos was disturbed while refurbishment was being carried out. The site was closed for a number of week while a licensed asbestos contractor carried out an environmental clean and removed the remaining asbestos.
HSE warned companies to ensure that proper measures are taken to prevent employees being exposed to asbestos.
To read the full story click on the link below:
http://www.gnn.gov.uk/content/detail.asp?ReleaseID=267713&NewsAreaID=112&NavigatedFromSearch=True
Asbestos Scare Closes School
A SHEFFIELD primary school was forced to close, and books and equipment were destroyed, after workmen disturbed asbestos leading to widespread contamination of the buildings.
The Sheffield Star reported on 3rd March 2007 that children from St Catherine's Catholic Primary School in Pitsmoor had to change schools while a specialist asbestos removal contractor was called in to decontaminate the buildings.
Two workmen damaged asbestos firebreaks above a ceiling, even though they had been instructed not to work on them. Deadly asbestos dust and debris fell on to ceiling tiles, which it is alleged, they then moved, causing widespread asbestos contamination in the school.
Worksop company Firbeck Construction, the main contractor for a new heating and lighting system at the school, is suing the men's employer Acumen Engineering Services, of Bestwood Village, Nottingham, for damages of more than £83,000.
To read the full story please click on the link below:
http://www.sheffieldtoday.net/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=2094126&SectionID=58
The Sheffield Star reported on 3rd March 2007 that children from St Catherine's Catholic Primary School in Pitsmoor had to change schools while a specialist asbestos removal contractor was called in to decontaminate the buildings.
Two workmen damaged asbestos firebreaks above a ceiling, even though they had been instructed not to work on them. Deadly asbestos dust and debris fell on to ceiling tiles, which it is alleged, they then moved, causing widespread asbestos contamination in the school.
Worksop company Firbeck Construction, the main contractor for a new heating and lighting system at the school, is suing the men's employer Acumen Engineering Services, of Bestwood Village, Nottingham, for damages of more than £83,000.
To read the full story please click on the link below:
http://www.sheffieldtoday.net/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=2094126&SectionID=58
Landmark Ruling in Dutch Court
Dutch News reported on 3rd March 2006, that a landmark ruling had been reached in Dutch Courts, which could affect compensation claims throughout the EU.
Cement maker Eternit has been ordered to pay damages to a man who developed incurable cancer after his parents used waste products containing asbestos to build a path in 1967.
He is the first private individual to be awarded damages for an asbestos-related illness when neither he nor his parents worked at the Eternit factory.
His lawyer said the ruling would open the way for many others to make claims because waste containing asbestos was commonly used to build paths in that period. The man, who is seriously ill, will receive an initial payout of €35,000, the court ruled.
To read the full story, please follow the link below:
http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/print/003287.php
Cement maker Eternit has been ordered to pay damages to a man who developed incurable cancer after his parents used waste products containing asbestos to build a path in 1967.
He is the first private individual to be awarded damages for an asbestos-related illness when neither he nor his parents worked at the Eternit factory.
His lawyer said the ruling would open the way for many others to make claims because waste containing asbestos was commonly used to build paths in that period. The man, who is seriously ill, will receive an initial payout of €35,000, the court ruled.
To read the full story, please follow the link below:
http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/print/003287.php
Asbestos victims 'getting younger'
The Manchester Evening News reported on 27th February 2007, that more and more young people are contracting asbestos related cancers. In particular there are more young women.
Asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma, take years to develop, but once diagnosed, life expectancy is short, usually no more than 12 months.
It would appear that whilst historically, the people affected were in their 60s and 70s, the young people suffering from the disease have come into contact with the deadly fibres in unconventional ways.
Editors note: There are many documented cases of people being exposed to the inhalation of asbestos fibres on the clothes of parents or spouses. In a case cited in the article, a young lady of 26 had been exposed when she took a short cut to school through a factory yard where asbestos sheets were being cut.
To read the complete article please follow the link below:
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1000/1000515_asbestos_victims_getting_younger.html
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