Asbestos disease diagnosis for former Bolton train worker
Jeffrey Smith aged 71, who worked as a train maintenance worker at the Horwich Loco Works in Bolton, was diagnosed with an asbestos disease in December 2016.
He worked at the site from 1962-1972 as an apprentice fitter and turner for British Rail.
Mr Smith was diagnosed with having asbestosis, an asbestos disease of the lungs, and has been working with specialist lawyers to investigate how he came to develop the illness.
His lawyers will be trying to establish whether or not anything could have been done to prevent the asbestos exposure.
As an apprentice fitter and turner, Mr Smith would be responsible for general maintenance and repair work on wagons and carriages.
For example, he would often work on heating systems clad in asbestos and would repair asbestos clad pipework.
Mr Smith spoke about his time working at the site in Horwich, Bolton, “Any work related to heating systems and pipework often meant having to remove cladding and insulation, which of course meant that dust and fibers were released into the air.”
“Throughout this time I was never warned of any potential risks to my health created by my work, so I am now understandably devastated that I have been diagnosed with this condition.”
“All I want is answers regarding how this could have happened, so any help from old colleagues or anyone who worked for British Rail across this time period would be massively appreciated.”
Law firm are searching for colleagues of former train worker
The law firm dealing with the case, Irwin Mitchell, and Mr Smith himself, are searching for any of his old colleagues who worked at the factory at the same time he did from 1962-1972.
One of the lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester, Dominic Hemsi said about the case, “The terrible legacy of asbestos had had a huge impact on so many lives and this is yet another case in which the consequences of exposure to the material have become apparent many years after the contact is believed to have happened.”
“Our client is understandably keen for answers regarding how his illness has emerged and we are determined to do everything we can to help him gain justice.”
“Any information regarding the working conditions at the Horwich Carriage and Wagon Works across the period outlined could prove absolutely vital in our efforts, so we would be hugely grateful to anyone who is able to come forward and help.”
Did you work with Jeffrey Smith or know someone who did? Are you able to provide any vital information on how he may have developed an asbestos disease?
The please get in touch with Mr Hemsi on 0161 259 1516 or you can email him at Dominic.Hemsi2@IrwinMitchell.com.
Duty holders and employers have a legal responsibility to manage asbestos in their properties, carrying out an asbestos survey in their building so as not to put employees at risk.
So make sure you contact our Armco office to arrange an asbestos survey, before it’s too late!
Whether you need an asbestos management survey, or a refurbishment/ demolition survey, contact us on 0161 763 3727 or by visiting https://www.armco.org.uk/
Finally, for all your asbestos training needs call 0161 761 4424 or visit https://www.armcoasbestostraining.co.uk/to book an asbestos awareness training course.
9th April 2024Asbestos, once hailed for its fire resistance and versatility, has left a hazardous legacy in numerous buildings and constructions. Recognising its dangers, particularly the severe health risks it poses, asbestos awareness training has become not just a precaution but a legal necessity. The significance of such training cannot be overstated—it equips individuals with the knowledge […] [...]Read more...
20th February 2024Asbestos, once hailed as a wonder material for its fire-resistant properties, has left a complex legacy across the globe, particularly within the construction industry. Its durability and insulating qualities made it a staple in buildings and homes, yet its hazardous impact on health is undeniable. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to serious diseases, including […] [...]Read more...
30th January 2024Asbestos, once widely used in the UK for its heat-resistant properties, now poses a significant health risk in older buildings. Identifying this material is crucial for ensuring safety, particularly in structures built before the late 20th century. For experts at Armco, specialists in asbestos surveys and removal, the ability to detect asbestos accurately is vital. […] [...]Read more...
26th October 2023Asbestos once hailed for its heat resistance and insulation properties, has been extensively used in a myriad array of industries including construction, automotive and shipbuilding. However, its use has been significantly curtailed due to the serious health risks it poses when its fibres become airborne. The objective of this blog is to shed light on […] [...]Read more...
23rd August 2023Asbestos, once celebrated for its fire-resistant properties and durability, has left an indelible mark on public health and safety due to its carcinogenic nature. While significant strides have been made in asbestos management and regulation, the journey toward effective asbestos handling is far from over. In this article, we explore the exciting innovations and advancements […] [...]Read more...
13th July 2023Last Updated on 26th July 2023 by max2021 If you are concerned there might be asbestos in your home or workplace, one option you have is to test the area and material you suspect contains ACMs – Asbestos Containing Materials. This is not a commonly held skill. So like many people, you may head to […] [...]Read more...
