Express & Star

Search for answers over worker's asbestos death

The family of a former asbestos gasket maker who died from an incurable cancer caused by asbestos exposure is appealing for witnesses to come forward to help establish how and where she came into contact with the deadly dust.

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Eileen Haynes, from Cannock Chase, died in October 2014 after a short battle with the disease, caused by exposure to asbestos decades ago. She was 83.

Now her niece Sandra Brough has instructed lawyers to investigate how and where her aunt was exposed to asbestos.

Before her death, Mrs Haynes, who lived at New Street, Hednesford, told her consultant at Stafford Hospital that she believed she breathed in the chemical while working for the Copper and Asbestos Washer Company, in Uxbridge Street, Hednesford, where she was employed from around 1949 to 1955.

Her role at the firm was in the manufacturing of copper-coated asbestos gaskets used in the engines of motor vehicles

Industrial disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, who are investigating the case on the family's behalf, say they understand she worked alongside a large number of other local women pressing out the gaskets. Her family believe she was never provided with face masks and that the working environment was very dusty.

Mrs Haynes' niece, also from Hednesford, is now appealing for anyone who knew her aunt when she worked at the factory, or who previously worked there, to come forward to provide details on the working practices at the business and its use of asbestos materials.

She said: "It was absolutely terrible to see my aunt suffer in the final months of her life. She was unaware of the dangers of asbestos and the horrendous impact it can have on workers' health.

"We would urge anyone who has information about working at the Copper and Asbestos Washer Company and the protection put in place for my aunt and others to come forward as soon as possible so we can secure justice in her name."

Satinder Bains, a partner in the law firm, said: "Mesothelioma is a very aggressive and, sadly, incurable disease that causes a great deal of pain and suffering for victims, as well as their families who witness its impact.

"The number of mesothelioma fatalities continues to grow."

Anyone with information on working conditions at the factory is asked to contact Satinder Bains on 0121 214 5281 or email Satinder.Bains@IrwinMitchell.com.

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