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£35 Million for Dockyard Workers Exposed to Asbestos

Since 2001, compensation of more than £35 million has been paid out to civilian workers who contracted a range of lung diseases as a result of exposure to harmful asbestos dust whilst working for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) at Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth.

The information was made available in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for data relating to cases settled by the MoD for asbestos-related illness caused to workers at the Royal Navy base, where the harmful substance was widely used for insulation and fireproofing on ships and in the buildings. A failure to implement the correct health and safety standards meant that many workers were exposed to the deadly substance over the years.

Asbestos causes a range of diseases including mesothelioma – a deadly cancer of the lining of the lungs – and the chronic, long-term condition asbestosis.

The request for information has revealed that between 2006 and 2013 the MoD paid out £19.4 million in compensation to 273 victims of asbestos-related illnesses who had worked at the dockyard.

The settlements ranged in value from £3,700 to £719,000.

Between 2001 and 2006, a total of £15.9 million was paid out to settle asbestos-related compensation claims from workers at the shipyard.

The news comes as a new law has been implemented that will enable mesothelioma sufferers diagnosed on or after 25 July 2012 to obtain compensation when the employer responsible for the exposure to asbestos or the employer’s insurance company cannot be traced. This is often a problem as the disease has a long incubation period, with symptoms often not appearing until 30 to 40 years after exposure.

Under the Mesothelioma Act 2014, claimants will be able to receive 75 per cent of the average compensation award in the civil courts for such claims. The scheme will be funded by a levy on insurance companies.

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There are many substances which can cause occupational illness over a period of time, even when the level of exposure is small. If employers fail to take appropriate measures to prevent exposure to substances that can damage the health of employees, they can be liable to pay compensation for the resulting illnesses. If you have suffered ill health as a result of exposure to substances in your workplace, contact us for advice.
Although correct at the time of publication, the contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article. Please contact us for the latest legal position.