Asbestos Exposure on International Workers' Memorial Day

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News Summary

On April 28, International Workers’ Memorial Day honors those who lost their lives in workplace incidents, focusing on the dangers of asbestos exposure. The article highlights the tragic legacy of asbestos, emphasizing the legal and human toll it has taken on victims and their families. As advocates push for justice and better workplace safety, initiatives are underway to raise awareness about mesothelioma and support those affected. The fight continues for a safer tomorrow and recognition of past sacrifices made by workers.

Remembering the Dead: The Legacy of Asbestos on International Workers’ Memorial Day

Every year, on April 28, the world observes International Workers’ Memorial Day—a day dedicated to honoring those who have lost their lives in workplace-related incidents while advocating for the living. First introduced in the UK in 1992 by notable Hazards Campaigner Tommy Harte, this day underscores the persistent dangers seen in the workplace. Among the most notorious hazards is asbestos, a material that has wreaked havoc on workers’ lives for generations.

The Asbestos Legacy: A Legal Journey

Amidst this backdrop, a special focus is placed on individuals like Joanne Candlish, whose legal career began in 1992 with a concentrated effort on asbestos-related cases. The stark reality is that the repercussions of asbestos exposure are not just legal; they encompass human suffering, loss, and grief. Candlish recalls a poignant case she encountered early in her career—a widow named Annie, who sadly lost her husband, Joseph, to mesothelioma. Joseph fell victim to this grievous disease, linked to asbestos exposure he faced while working at Turner Asbestos Cement (TAC) in Widnes during the 1930s.

At just 14 years old, Joseph began his grueling work at TAC, a subsidiary of the infamous Turner & Newall Group, which has a long and troubled history. Founded back in 1871 in Rochdale, this company was a pioneer in incorporating asbestos fibers into cloth—a process that would later have catastrophic effects on its workforce.

The Troubling History of Turner & Newall

In 1879, Turner & Newall shifted its focus and rebranded to Turner Brothers Asbestos Company, expanding its operations to include an asbestos cement manufacturing plant in Trafford Park just before World War One. Known for producing the iconic Trafford tile asbestos cement sheets, the company flourished despite clear warnings about the dangers of asbestos exposure.

In 1920, Turner Brothers consolidated their hold on the market by merging with Washington Chemical Company, Newall’s Insulation Company, and J. W. Roberts to form Turner & Newall. Despite having access to information proving the dangers associated with asbestos as early as 1955, which linked it directly to cancer, Turner & Newall continued its hazardous practices for decades, allowing nine subsidiary companies to spring up by 1973.

This corporate neglect came to haunt them as the foundation of asbestos-related litigation grew. Finally acquired by the American firm Federal-Mogul in 1998, Turner & Newall filed for bankruptcy in 2001 owing to an overwhelming flood of asbestos claims. Consequently, a trust fund was established to offer some compensation to victims, albeit at a significantly reduced rate than traditional court awards.

Confronting the Perils of Asbestos

Candlish’s career progressed as she successfully represented countless victims of asbestos-associated diseases, advocating for fairness and justice. Throughout her three-decade career, various tactics employed by defendants have hindered progress in these cases, including frustrating levels of paperwork and denying any historical knowledge of asbestos’s health perils. The cancerous nature of asbestos has been conclusively documented, with diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma linked directly to its use.

The debunked myth of “harmless white asbestos” continues to plague perceptions. In reality, all types of asbestos, even the seemingly innocuous chrysotile, pose serious health risks. The UK recognized these dangers, leading to a comprehensive ban on the use of asbestos in 1999.

Justice for Victims and Future Hope

As we remember the victims on International Workers’ Memorial Day, advocates like Candlish continue to challenge powerful entities like Cape, a UK asbestos manufacturer. The Leigh Day asbestos team, where Candlish serves, is actively campaigning for Cape to contribute a substantial £10 million towards research into effective treatments for mesothelioma.

Through initiatives like their “Mesothelioma and Me” campaign, they are sharing real stories that highlight the devastating impact of this disease on everyday lives, driving awareness, and fostering hope. For individuals suffering from asbestos-related conditions, support structures are in place, including a confidential advice line that offers free consultations to those in need.

While we pause to reflect upon the past and those lost to preventable conditions like mesothelioma, we must also unite to improve workplace safety and ensure justice for victims of asbestos exposure, keeping the fight alive for a safer tomorrow.