Last Updated on 22nd March 2018 by
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.
Source of article:-
thisislancashire.co.uk/news/16042987.Former_Horwich_train_worker__39_s_quest_for_justice_after_asbestos_disease_diagnosis
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Published Mar 05, 2018
