Bystander to asbstos spray

During the 1950′s, 1960′s and 1970′s asbestos spray fibre was commonly used for fire proofing and sound proofing. Asbestos fibre was sprayed onto the structural steel and concrete slabs so as to prevent fire from doing structural damage to buildings. Asbestos spray fibre was used on a large number of ships and on many commercial buildings in Western Australia including the Concert Hall in Perth city.

Big hoses were used to spray the asbestos, with much of the fibre not sticking, but bouncing off the ceiling. In addition to the very high exposures suffered by the workers spraying the asbestos, other workers on the sites, as well as other workers nearby, including office workers and shop attendants, were exposed to and breathed in asbestos fibres.

Turner Freeman has acted for many other workers present on building sites and on board ships when asbestos spraying was carried out, or who have disturbed asbestos spray fibre when carrying out maintenance or repair work.  Through detailed investigative work we have been able to commence proceedings against former employers, occupier of buildings or the companies carrying out the spraying work.

Mr Richardson

Mr. Richardson worked for John Martin’s at it’s Elizabeth store as a maintenance painter in the 1970′s and 1980′s. As part of his job he removed and repainted ceiling panels. As he removed the ceiling panels dust fell onto him and his scaffold, including asbestos dust from asbestos sprayed in the ceilings years before.

Twenty-five years later Mr. Richardson contracted mesothelioma. He sued his employer and Bradford Insulations, who carried out the asbestos spraying years earlier. Mr. Richardson died after his evidence was taken but before his claim was finshed. His Estate continued his claim and a claim was also made by his widow. Both claims were successful. Bradford Insualtions unsuccessfully appealed the decision.