A hospital plumber, who has been told he has only months to live after
developing mesothelioma, has received £175,000 in compensation, with the
help of UNISON.
The UKÕs largest public sector union helped Alan Ward, who is now living in
Worle, in Weston-super-Mare, pursue an 18 month claim against Yorkshire
and Humber Strategic Health Authority when he developed the cancer of the
lung lining.
The 61-year-old had been exposed to asbestos while working in a number of
hospitals in the Wakefield area between 1964 and 1972, including removing
asbestos lagging at Clayton Hospital and at Oulton Hall Hospital.
But he had never been warned about the dangers to his health during his time
as a plumber and had not been provided with any protection.
Mr Ward later moved into more technical roles in local government and moved
away from Yorkshire.
Yorkshire and Humber Strategic Health Authority settled the claim out of
court.
Dave Prentis, UNISONÕs General Secretary, said:
ÒAlan is one of a growing number of workers whose health has been fatally
damaged just through going to work.
ÒThe money will help make his remaining months comfortable, but no amount
can compensate him for what he is suffering.
ÒEmployers have to face up to their responsibilities to make sure they donÕt
put their workers at risk of injury or death.Ó
Mr Ward said:
ÒI am pleased to have received compensation, as it will help cover the cost of
living when my health fails further.
ÒThe disease is progressing slowly, but IÕm in a lot of pain and all they can do
now is just keep increasing the painkillers.
ÒI was given 18 months to live, but that was over two years ago, so itÕs been
longer than was anticipated.
ÒI didnÕt know about the dangers when I was 23, we just smashed off the
asbestos and carried on working.
ÒEmployers need to identify and manage any asbestos and should inform
workers if they are at risk.Ó
Eamonn McDonough, from ThompsonÕs Solicitors, said:
ÒMr Ward knows that his time is now short and is determined to live life to the
fullest while he still can.
ÒIt was essential to achieve a settlement in his lifetime, as he has no
dependents or next of kin.
ÒThe assistance of his union enabled his claim to be dealt with quickly by our
specialist asbestos litigation team.
ÒThis compensation will enable him to enjoy some comforts that he would
otherwise have not been able to afford.Ó