If you feel that you have been exposed to asbestos – what do you do? Any recent exposure to asbestos within the last ten years should not cause immediate symptoms or illness.
If you are in paid work and you feel that you have been exposed to asbestos then you need to report this to your employer. Your employer should then note the date, place and circumstances of your exposure in your personal file.
If you belong to a trade union, you should contact your union for advice and they will probably ask you for information which will also be recorded. This is for your benefit.
It is also be advisable to inform your GP that you have had an asbestos exposure and ask that it be recorded in your medical records – this is in case you should go on to develop an asbestos related disease.
Please get in touch with us here at AASC – Tel: 01495 272 479 or email [email protected] if you feel that you have been exposed to asbestos. We can provide you with help and support .
Some of the occupations which may have entailed exposure to asbestos.
- Those involved in the manufacture of asbestos
- Carpenters
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Pipe fitters
- Sheet metal workers
- Power plant workers
- Oil refinery workers
- Shipyard workers
- Firefighters
- Teachers.
Asbestos fibres on clothing
Asbestos fibres are so fine that they can cling to clothing. It is good practice to change out of work clothing before arriving home, but in the past it was very common for workers to bring home their overalls after work each night. These would then be picked up by the wife usually and washed. If this describes you and what happened in your life or someone you know, bear in mind that if a person worked with asbestos it would be very likely that asbestos fibres would have contaminated clothing. Whilst the overalls were being handled through to the washing process the particles of asbestos dust could be inhaled.
If this story sounds all too familiar and you have developed what could be an asbestos related disease you may be eligible to pursue a claim for compensation. Do get in touch – Tel: 01495 272 479