There is a large article in my local paper today, detailing the outcome of a hearing in the Coroner's Court last week in St Albans, by Coroner Mr Pidgeon.

It involves my dad, who died on 10th January 2010 from Mesothelima. The cause of death was pulmonary embolism in both lungs, which was due to significant exposure to asbestos whilst working as an electrician in the Underground.

My dad left a 'living statement', in which he recalls removing asbestos coated cables and ceiling tiles, whilst wearing paper overalls and a paper mask. The pathologist's report also details significant exposure to asbestos.

He was aged 64 and worked on the Underground for 35 years.

You note, I am careful not to mention company names or my fathers name. But I feel it is important to share this information (as Coroner's Verdits are Public) as Safety Professional we must start raising awareness to Mesothelima.

How many of you have run a training session and mentioned Asbestos under the Occupational Health Section, and then moved on. Take it from me its a long, slow death (well three months from diagnoses to death). Make sure you are truely competent to do Asbestos Safety Management.

I want to raise more awareness to Mesothelima and start networking and campaigning with other widowers, children, safety professionals and suffers alongside existing charities.

If you are interested in becoming involved, using my fathers story for training or research please email me. Although, I am not able to provide any company names relating to this case.

Thank you x

Firstly deepest sympathy to you and your family in this difficult time.

i would be interested in joining your campaign, there are several reasons for this, my god father was a foreman chippie on major construction sites in London and died of an asbestos related condition.
My own father worked on the escalators on london underground for over 30 years and isnt a well man, however i do not think it is related to asbestos, more the dirt and dust that covers everything as soon as a train arrives or departs, and i too worked for only 5 years on escalators on the underground, but handled asbestos string which used to be wrapped around the top of any wiring loom going from the lift shaft into the motor room, i havent as yet had any symptoms, however from my H&S training, i realise there is still time for it to develop in me.
If i can be of any help please let me know.

Firstly, I have to express my condolences for your loss.

Asbestos is a strange substance. Whilst it is clear that it can cause serious illness and death with some people, others it leaves completely alone.

I recall in 1969/70 working on a ship which carried asbestos from South Africa to the USA. It was contained in unlined hessian sacks. These were landed in the hatch square and then manhandled to the stowage position by hand, using dockers hooks - these pierce the already porous hessian bags.

Visibility in the hatch was only a few feet due to asbestos dust - but nobody was aware that there was any danger then.

I'm so sorry for your loss IWish, it should never have happened. And the tragic thing is, that we're still exposing employees, service users etc. There are such poor surveys, management systems and plans for controlling the risk of asbestos, out there and we're still not doing enough to protect people.