Terminal Battle Against Mesothelioma: A Story of Resilience and a Call for Justice

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News Summary

Joe Hair, a former labourer, faces terminal mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. His fight for justice highlights the hidden dangers of asbestos in the workplace.

Terminal Battle Against Mesothelioma: A Story of Resilience and a Call for Justice

In the quiet corner of Marley Pots, Sunderland, a 71-year-old former labourer is facing the grim realities of terminal cancer related to asbestos exposure. Joe Hair, once a vibrant member of the workforce, is now grappling with mesothelioma – a devastating disease recognized for its deep ties to asbestos exposure that often occurs decades prior to diagnosis.

Joe’s newfound struggle began with a routine lung cancer screening in March 2024, which unveiled alarming signs of fluid build-up in his lungs. A month later, the devastating diagnosis came: mesothelioma. In utter disbelief, Joe reflected on his generally healthy lifestyle, feeling as if he had been blindsided by a relentless foe.

Tracing the Asbestos Exposure

Determined to uncover the reasons behind his health crisis, Joe sought the expertise of specialized asbestos disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell. He initiated legal proceedings against two companies, Sunderland-based Webster Davidson & Co Limited and Corning Ltd, to investigate potential links between his past employment and his terminal illness.

Joe’s work history indicates strong possibilities for asbestos exposure. He was employed at Webster Davidson from 1973 to 1977, during which time he mixed cement on construction sites. Joe suspects the cement could have contained asbestos, an insidious material once widely used in construction. His exposure intensified while working at Webster Davidson’s factory in Low Southwick, where he cut sheets made of corrugated asbestos.

After his tenure at Webster Davidson, Joe transitioned to Corning Ltd, a glass factory on Pallion Industrial Estate, where he continued to handle products touched by asbestos. Loading glass products onto crates lined with what he believed to be asbestos sheeting became a routine part of his day, further compounding his risk of exposure.

Asbestos: A Hidden Killer

The dangers of asbestos are lurking shadows in the history of industrial work, particularly in industries like construction and shipbuilding, where Joe and countless others toiled without proper safety measures. While at Corning Ltd, Joe handled hot glass products while wearing heat protective clothing that possibly contained asbestos. He even used what was known as an ‘asbestos bat’ to carry those products, inadvertently releasing harmful asbestos fibres into the air.

Both workplaces were notoriously dusty, with employees required to sweep up wood dust at the end of their shifts. Alarmingly, Joe received no personal protective equipment (PPE) during his time at either firm, nor was he educated about the dangers associated with asbestos exposure. The lack of awareness and safeguards has become a grim reality for many workers who now find themselves battling the repercussions of a toxic legacy.

A National Health Crisis

Joe Hair’s case is not isolated. Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases have seen a troubling rise in the UK, with an alarming report suggesting that deaths linked to mesothelioma peaked recently. The Health and Safety Executive indicated that from its peak in 2017, over 2,500 individuals succumbed to this disease, a statistic that reflects the hazardous conditions workers faced during the extensive industrial use of asbestos from the 1950s to the 70s.

Asbestos was extensively employed for insulation and fireproofing, and while bans were instituted in 1985 and 1999, the repercussions linger. The legal landscape has adapted to provide some measure of compensation for victims, yet the legacy of historical exposure remains a significant health concern affecting workers across various industries today.

As Joe strives to navigate his remaining days, he is determined to uncover the truth about his asbestos exposure and ensure that no one else suffers in silence. Irwin Mitchell is advocating for others who may hold valuable information about Joe’s past work conditions to come forward, bringing with them the chance for justice and closure in a battle against an invisible enemy.