Vintage Train Engineer Battles Asbestos-Related Cancer

911 Meso Info

911 Meso Info is a dedicated voice in the fight against mesothelioma, committed to raising awareness, providing reliable information, and empowering individuals affected by this rare disease. With a passion for advocacy, 911 Meso Info delivers insightful resources, up-to-date research, and practical tips to help patients and families navigate their mesothelioma journey. From treatment options and legal guidance to emotional support and prevention strategies, 911 Meso Info is your go-to source for comprehensive mesothelioma knowledge. Connect with us to stay informed and find strength in community. Follow 911 Meso Info for trusted advice and support, and join us in spreading awareness for a brighter tomorrow.

News Summary

Malcolm Gelsthorpe, a vintage train engineer, faces mesothelioma from asbestos exposure while restoring historic train carriages.

Vintage Train Engineer Battles Asbestos-Related Cancer

Malcolm Gelsthorpe, a former vintage train engineer with a deep-seated passion for railway restoration, faces a daunting chapter in his life as he prepares to receive a payout of up to £495,000 for health complications that arose from his exposure to asbestos dust. This painful reality stems from a diagnosis of mesothelioma, a terminal cancer that aggressively targets the lining of the lungs and is directly linked to asbestos exposure.

An Unexpected Diagnosis

At the age of 68, Gelsthorpe’s health was forever altered by his time spent restoring luxurious carriages of the famed Orient Express. This iconic train, celebrated in Agatha Christie’s 1934 novel and renowned for its historical prominence, has traveled across Europe to Istanbul since its inception in 1883. Gelsthorpe’s career at the Steamtown Railway Museum in Carnforth, Lancashire, began in the late 1970s, where he initially took on the role of an electrical engineer.

Years of Exposure

During his extensive tenure from 1979 to 2023, Gelsthorpe transitioned through various roles, ultimately becoming involved in quality assurance and health and safety. However, unbeknownst to him and many of his colleagues, they were handling materials contaminated with asbestos while restoring the vintage train carriages. Gelsthorpe often worked on plywood fittings, unaware that the interiors of nearly all carriages had been extensively treated with asbestos spray insulation.

The Hidden Dangers of Asbestos

As he diligently worked on restoring the carriages, Gelsthorpe and his coworkers inadvertently inhaled harmful asbestos particles. Significant quantities of respirable fibers were released from materials in poor condition, particularly when working on heaters mounted on asbestos boards. The risk was exacerbated by the lack of protective measures; Gelsthorpe was never instructed to wear respiratory protective equipment, leaving him and others vulnerable to dangerous dust exposure.

Contaminated Work Environment

The situation escalated as not only were Gelsthorpe’s work overalls contaminated with asbestos dust, but they also posed a risk during breaks. As he and his fellow workers shed dust, contamination spread throughout the restoration site. Aspects of the environment that presented additional risk included asbestos-laden areas located beneath seats, alongside heaters, and within electrical cupboards.

Legal Challenge and Ongoing Dispute

Upon receiving his devastating diagnosis, Gelsthorpe filed a claim in the High Court, asserting that his terminal illness was the direct result of asbestos exposure in the course of his work. In a recent ruling, Judge Roger Eastman empathized with Gelsthorpe’s plight; however, the final employer, St Hoggs Property Investments, is contesting the amount of payout. The firm asserts it cannot be held liable for Gelsthorpe’s condition, citing measures they took, including commissioning specialist asbestos removal teams and supplying personal protective equipment.

Next Steps in the Legal Battle

Despite St Hoggs’ defenses, Judge Eastman determined that further assessment of damages would be necessary in a subsequent hearing if the parties cannot reach an agreement on the payout sum. Gelsthorpe’s solicitor, Sarah Kennerley-Fawcett, illustrated the perilous working conditions, detailing the extensive locations of asbestos, highlighting that these hazardous materials were sprayed throughout the train’s construction.

A Battle Against Time

As Gelsthorpe navigates his health crisis, his story serves as a grave reminder of the perils associated with asbestos exposure in industries long past. The echoes of history and innovation should never come at such a high human cost. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome remains uncertain. Yet, Gelsthorpe’s tenacity in pursuing justice resonates, shedding light on the critical need for workplace safety standards to protect future generations from similarly tragic outcomes.