The dangers of asbestos in farming has been highlighted following an inquest relating to the case of a pig farmer who had died after developing Mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer.
He was regularly building pig sties and repairing roofs, which were filled with asbestos, over the course of a thirty year period. The inquest found that exposure to asbestos caused his death.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring material and was commonly used to insulate buildings up until the late 1990’s. Contact or inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to potentially fatal health conditions like mesothelioma or lung cancer. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by asbestos exposure and it affects the lining of the lungs. After diagnosis the average life expectancy is 12 - 21 months.
It is an employer’s duty to carry out a thorough risk assessment before doing any works which may disturb asbestos. On farms work may include dismantling or re-erecting buildings in their entirety because of the presence of asbestos. It is required by law that for any building project, health and safety is managed throughout all stages.
Farm owners and those who rent farms could be held liable if employees contract an asbestos related condition as a result of exposure to asbestos fibres.
Our specialist industrial disease team are experienced in helping clients with all types of claims, so get in touch if you would like to discuss your specific situation with one of our lawyers.
