News Archive: July 2018

The Ministry of Defence has been criticised for failing to provide information about workers who may have been exposed to asbestos while working on its helicopters.

The Union, Unite, have claimed to have been urging the MoD for the last year to contact the estimated 1,000 workers who had had contact with the Sea King helicopters, which had used components containing asbestos. However, the MoD claim they do not have a record of the staff who worked for them since 1969 as many of them had been external contractors, and when asked how they were planning to contact their ex-employees, the MoD gave no response.

Asbestos related diseases can be extremely dangerous and in some cases even fatal.

In 2016, there were 2,595 mesothelioma deaths in Great Britain, and the latest projections suggest that there will continue to be around 2,500 deaths per year for the rest of this current decade before annual numbers begin to decline.

It is reported that annual deaths are continuing to increase among those aged 75 years or over, but are reducing among those aged below 70 years. There were 2,170 new cases of mesothelioma assessed for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) in 2016, and men who worked in the building industry when asbestos was used extensively are now among those most at risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is mainly caused by being exposed to asbestos, the most common being pleural mesothelioma, which damages the lungs, causing shortness of breath and it can be fatal. It is important to seek medical help if you feel you have been exposed to asbestos, as mesothelioma can affect those who have only had a small amount of exposure.

Asbestosis is a form of scarring on the lungs that is caused by significant exposure to asbestos dust, it is also known as fibrosis. Asbestosis makes it hard for your lungs to work effectively and can cause mild to severe breathlessness.

Both are extremely dangerous and you must seek medical help if you feel like you have been exposed to asbestos.

Asbestos can affect anyone, it is not exclusive to any specific industry or trade. You may be more likely to be exposed to asbestos if you work in industries such as in factories, however anyone can be exposed and you should seek medical help if you feel you may have been exposed. As asbestos can be found in the structures of buildings, you can be exposed to it in any industry and is extremely dangerous as symptoms may not develop for years after the exposure.

The MoD discovered asbestos in the helicopters last year, when maintenance on an old aircraft revealed the asbestos in an exhaust panel seal. Unite urged the MoD to identify all current employees who may have been exposed to asbestos; offer counselling or medical checks for conditions like mesothelioma for all current and former workers; and notify all former MoD employees who may have had contact with the Sea King helicopters.

Rebecca Montague, a specialist asbestos claims solicitor at Macks says…

If you feel like you, or a family member, has been exposed to asbestos and should receive compensation for this, then do not hesitate to get in touch with us to find out how we can help. We offer a free, no obligation consultation to discuss the process with you, and you can decide how we proceed from there.

Our phone lines are open 8am – 9pm, 7 days a week so if you would like to make an enquiry you can call us today on 01642 252828. 

Health and safety at work is one of the most important factors in keeping businesses functioning and successful. 

Your employer is required by law to follow up to date health and safety regulations, however, accidents at work still happen and they can lead to catastrophic consequences for employees.

Health and Safety at Work Statistics

According to RIDDOR, 144 workers in the UK were killed in work accidents in 2017/18 alone, an estimated 555,000 non-fatal injuries to workers were self-reported and 71,062 non-fatal injuries were reported by employers.

It is also reported that 420,000 of the non-fatal injuries had more than 7 days of absence from work as a result of the injuries. This absence could have a negative impact on their life, leaving them temporarily without an income and worrying about how they will pay their bills or provide for their family.

Being unable to work due to a workplace injury can cause significant stress. On top of the personal impact of being injured, there are other factors that contribute to that stress. You may be unable to do jobs around the home without assistance and may be unable to continue your hobbies or socialise with friends.

The most common causes of an accident at work are slip, trip or fall accidents, closely followed by manual handling, lifting or carrying, being struck by a moving object and acts of violence.

Hazardous Working Environments

Teesside is known for its heavy industry; steel, chemical, construction, building, welding and mining. However, all work environments can be extremely dangerous places, no matter what industry you work in, which is why all employers should follow health and safety at work regulations.

As reported by the Independent, the most dangerous jobs in descending order are:

• Waste collection
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical, plumbing and other installation
• Vehicle maintenance and repair
• Joining and Painting
• Lorry driving
• Roofing and Scaffolding
• Construction
• Farming

Specialist Work Injury Advice

Director and accidents at work compensation specialist, Anthony McCarthy, said: “ On Health and Safety at Work Day it is important we recognise how vital it is that all employers, in every sector, institute a genuine health and safety culture. Many do so already, and that is to be applauded, but too many do not which leads to preventable accidents and illnesses at work.”

If you have been injured in an accident at work, Macks Solicitors have work accident experts on hand to help. Our personal injury solicitors are specialists in their fields so you can be reassured that your case will be dealt with in a professional manner by a fully qualified lawyer.

Call Macks for free on 0800 652 4321 for your no-obligation consultation today. Our phone lines are open 8am-9pm daily.

Mike Hughes talks to Rosemary Alderson about helping people deal with their most personal challenges.

https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/business/how-macks-can-help-you-15416374

Rosemary Alderson has been head of family law at Watson Woodhouse for the past six years, where she has built a department that’s renowned for its robust, no-nonsense yet empathetic advice. Here, she explains more…

Straight talking  

The law firm has become known for its quality and client service over three decades, but most recently is being talked about for its fast-paced growth. Finance director Richard Prust tells North East Times about his ambitions for the firm

One to watch 

Macks Solicitors deal with all aspects of employment law, from unfair dismissal and redundancy to discrimination in the workplace. Here, Amy Sadler explains more…

https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/special-features/redundancy-employment-law-macks-solicitors-14774943

Richard Prust, from Watson Woodhouse Solicitors has been shortlisted for a Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Award in the new category of ‘Practice Manager of the Year’

North East law firm director shortlisted for prestigious national award

Fundraisers are urging Darlington residents to realise where there’s a will, there’s a way to support their local hospice.

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/13841419.make-a-will-and-pledge-fee-to-darlington-hospice/