Man exposed to asbestos for just 2 days dies 39 years later of mesothelioma

Last Updated on 22nd March 2018 by

Asbestos Tile Testing Might have saved him……

A 60 year old man from Pattingham died on the 18th September this year from mesothelioma.

Michael Davies was a retired social care manager and had helped to remove roof material containing asbestos back in 1978.

At an inquest into Mr Davies’ death, a statement from his family was read out at Cannock Coroners Court by officer Andrew Heathcote.

Mr Heathcote said, “After graduating in 1978 in Swansea, Mr Davies had no permanent employment and it appears he survived by doing odd jobs.”

“He remembered his friend Tony returning from the Job Centre to say there was a job clearing asbestos in a factory in Swansea.”

“He thought the opportunity was too good to turn down and signed up. But after just two days dismantling roofs, he gave it up.”

Coroner attributes death to asbestos – Highlights Importance of Asbestos Tile Testing

Mr Andrew Haigh, South Staffordshire Coroner, said, “I have been told Michael was only 60 when he died, which is a relatively young age to die.”

“He was an active man, had a responsible job in social services and was part of the community in Pattingham.”

“After he had obtained his degree in Swansea in the late-1970s, he had a job for a couple of days removing asbestos. He reported this to the chest physician, who said they would expect there to be longer exposure than just a couple of days.”

“There is no doubt that Mr Davies died as a result of mesothelioma and no doubt that this was a result from exposure to asbestos.”

“What is more difficult is when the exposure occurred, and the time that he was working in Swansea is the only exposure I have been told about.”

“Therefore, on the balance of probabilities, I conclude Mr Davies died of industrial disease.”

Source of article:-  https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/staffordshire/cannock/2017/11/02/man-dies-after-exposure-to-asbestos/

 

Duty holders and employers have a legal responsibility to manage asbestos in their building so as not to put employees at risk. Contact our Armco office for asbestos management and refurbishment/ demolition surveys on 0161 763 3727 or by visiting https://www.armco.org.uk/

Alternatively, for all your asbestos training needs call 0161 761 4424 or visit https://www.armcoasbestostraining.co.uk/ for more information or to book a training course.

 

 

Published Nov 06, 2017