Deaths from Mesothelioma continue to rise

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) keeps records of the number of deaths in Great Britain caused by mesothelioma.  The latest figures, for 2007, show that there were 2,156 deaths of which 1,812 were amongst men, reports Michael Osborne, senior solicitor with Moore Blatch Resolve LLP.  In 1968 there were only 153 deaths recorded.  The HSE’s prediction is that the number of deaths will continue to rise until about 2016, and in that year more than 2,000 deaths are predicted.

There is a long delay between initial exposure to asbestos and death from mesothelioma.  This is typically 30 to 40 years.  This means that the deaths occurring now and most of those expected in the future reflect working conditions which existed in the past, rather than current practices.

The three areas of the country which have the highest mesothelioma death rates all contained ports and dock yards.  This illustrates the well documented link between mesothelioma and the heavy exposure to asbestos which took place in the ship building and the ship repair industries.  The highest rates are in West Dunbartonshire, Barrow-in-Furness and Plymouth.  In the South, Portsmouth has the highest rate:  it has the 5th highest in the country).  Southampton (8th highest), Eastleigh (10th highest), Havant (11th highest) and Gosport (19th highest) also feature in the top 20 areas for death rates from mesothelioma.

Amongst men, the three occupations with the highest death rates are carpenters and joiners; plumbers and heating and ventilating engineers; and electricians and electrical fitters.  The three occupations with the highest rates amongst women are labourers in process and plant operations; general office assistants; and clerks and cleaners. 

The HSE estimates that for every death from mesothelioma there are between about one and two deaths from lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.  Yet, there are far fewer claims for welfare benefits or for compensation through a solicitor made by victims of lung cancer than by victims of mesothelioma.  For example, in 2008 Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit was awarded in only 240 cases of asbestos induced lung cancer but in 1,735 cases of mesothelioma.

Men and women with mesothelioma and men and women with lung cancer who have been exposed to asbestos may be entitled to compensation.  At Moore Blatch we are keen to advise these individuals on their rights, both with regard to welfare payments and a claim through a solicitor.  We offer a free first interview, with no obligation to proceed.

For more information, please contact Michael Osborne on 020 8332 8636 [Richmond] or 023 8071 8092 [Southampton] or email michael.osborne@mooreblatch.com