News Summary
Steven Kenny, a 64-year-old demolition worker from Woolwich, London, has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after years of exposure to asbestos during his career. His case highlights the dangers faced by workers in the demolition industry and the urgent need for awareness regarding asbestos-related health risks. As he seeks information and legal accountability surrounding his condition, Kenny’s story serves as a reminder of the impacts of past negligence towards asbestos use. The ongoing struggle to manage and remove asbestos continues to be a pressing issue in the UK.
Man Diagnosed with Mesothelioma After Working on Demolition Sites Seeks Information
In a troubling revelation, 64-year-old Steven Kenny from Woolwich, London, has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer typically linked to asbestos exposure. Steven’s past as a demolition worker has unearthed harrowing memories and significant health risks stemming from his occupation.
Steven’s Early Career in Demolition
Steven worked for MR Clayton & Sons, known colloquially as “Claytons”, from 1977 until the late 1980s. He was heavily involved in various demolitions throughout central London, including a particularly significant project: the refurbishment of the historic Old Bank of England. This building, with a rich history dating back to its ownership by the Law Courts branch of the Bank of England from 1888 until 1975, was a key site where Steven was employed.
During his time at the Old Bank of England, Steven engaged in extensive work, stripping down the building and removing boilers from the basement. It was during this work that he was first put at risk: utilizing an axe to remove asbestos lagging from the boilers, he was exposed to thick clouds of asbestos dust. Disturbingly, he often ate his lunch in the same room where he had just worked, directly exposing himself to lingering asbestos particles.
The Asbestos Exposure
Though it was common practice to ignore the dangers of asbestos at the time, Steven’s experiences were particularly alarming. His subsequent work on other job sites included removing corrugated asbestos roofs and suspended ceilings adorned with asbestos tiles. By the end of each day, he reported being covered in asbestos dust, unaware of the serious health implications that awaited him decades later.
The Shocking Diagnosis
Diagnosed with mesothelioma, Steven’s world came crashing down. The harsh reality of living with a disease that has seen a rise in cases—particularly among women since the early 1990s—has not only impacted Steven but also left a profound mark on his family. As the UK holds the world’s highest rate of mesothelioma deaths per capita, this case is far from isolated.
Seeking Answers and Justice
In light of his diagnosis, Steven has engaged the services of a specialized asbestos team at a law firm to delve deeper into his case. They are currently seeking any individuals who worked alongside him at Claytons or possess information regarding the refurbishment of the Old Bank of England during the late 1970s. The aim is to gather any evidence that could substantiate Steven’s claim and highlight the unsafe working conditions prevalent at the time.
This legal team is also investigating the main contractors involved in the refurbishment and the insurers for Clayton’s in hopes of uncovering vital details that may assist in Steven’s pursuit of justice.
The Imperative of Awareness and Action
With over 5,000 people in the UK succumbing to asbestos-related cancers annually, the need for awareness is critical. Asbestos exposure is notorious for its long latency period, often leading to diagnoses decades after initial contact. The materials that contributed to so many cases of mesothelioma were rampant between the 1930s and 1980s in diverse construction applications, which include everything from roofing to insulation.
Activists are increasingly vocal in urging that proactive measures be adopted for asbestos removal. They argue against waiting for asbestos to deteriorate and instead advocate for immediate action to prevent further exposure, especially in vulnerable locations such as schools, hospitals, and social housing.
As Steven Kenny joins the array of individuals affected by this deadly disease, his case serves as a poignant reminder of the past’s negligence regarding asbestos use and the ongoing need for information-sharing and legal accountability surrounding these health risks.
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