Industrial Disease and Occupational Illness Kill 8,000 in Britain Every Year - Know the Risks

As far as occupational illness and industrial disease is concerned, governments and employers have always been slow to react to new research and findings.

Many of us in the UK are now aware of the threat posed by asbestos and due to new risk management practices, many construction and factory workers know not to handle vibrating tools or equipment for prolonged periods of time; to prevent the onset of Vibration White Finger or hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)

To illustrate the relationship between discovery, and the implementation of preventative measures, the link between Vibration White Finger and the use of vibrating tools was discovered following a study conducted by Alice Hamilton MD in 1918; a scale for assessing the condition didn't appear until 1975, and even then, it wasn't until a decade later that it became listed as a prescribed disease. Then in 1997, the UK government paid £127,000 in white finger claims to seven coal miners suffering from vibration white finger. So between discovery of the condition, through to official recognition of the problem, we have a gap of 67 years, 79 years if you count the wait for a successful claim to be made.

In the present-day, this comparison is obviously unfair, as modern medicine and research has developed incredibly, as has the responsibility of employers to protect their employees.

Even so, Asbestos has a very similar history, in that its ill-effects on health were noted as early as 1898 where the British Chief Inspector of Factories reported that asbestos had "easily demonstrated" health risks. Around this time, a mortality study was conducted among asbestos workers in France, the first of its kind; prompted by the death of 50 workers.

These early studies ensured that asbestos fibre exposure was recognised as an occupational health hazard from the early 20th century. This stance was further compounded with a myriad of epidemiological studies that linked asbestos exposure to asbestosis, carcinoma of the lungs, diffuse pleural thickening and the development of pleural plaques; among many other conditions.

Despite this, asbestos use was pervasive; finding its way into building materials, industrial products and household textiles and appliances because of its heat retardant properties.

According to historical sources, it's thought that Asbestos has been mined for over 4,000 years; but asbestos mining didn't reach its peak until 1975, despite the fact that its ill-effects were already well known by this point. in the 1950s, researchers recommended that warning labels be attached to asbestos products and in 1953, the Safety Director of National Gypsum wrote to the Indiana Division of Industrial Hygiene, recommending that acoustic plaster mixers wear respirators. Despite these efforts, companies removed all mentions of 'cancer' in relation to their product in all sponsored research and the Safety Director's letter, was retrieved before it reached its destination.

With little official opposition, asbestos use continued well into the 1980s, but it wasn't until 1985 that the UK government banned blue and brown asbestos materials; whilst white asbestos wasn't outlawed until 1999.The United States on the other hand, still allows for its use in certain cases.

So in the case of Asbestos and its catastrophic ability to inflict a variety of industrial diseases; the gap between recognising the problem and governments actually reacting effectively has been over two centuries.

Luckily, these days we have medicinal research journals and health organisations in place to affect the decisions of government officials to prevent such widespread epidemics. Recently, research published by the Health and Safety Executive revealed that around 8,000 people in Britain die each year as a direct result of industrial disease or occupational illness, such as those caused by lead poisoning and asbestos use. Interestingly, the results show that half of these deaths were in male professionals with a construction background.

In addition to these findings, diesel engine fumes have also been classed as a carcinogen as a result of findings published by the Agency for Research on Cancer. Further work performed by the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, presents findings indicating a link between night shift working and contracting breast cancer.

Will it be 100 to 200 years before employers and governments make changes to prevent further damage courtesy of the subjects of these studies? Let us hope not. For those that are aware of these findings however, they can take steps to protect themselves now. Mechanics and automotive professionals can use appropriate masks or ventilators when working around diesel engines, whilst female night shift workers can consider limiting their hours as a precaution.

Whatever your industry, it's prudent to keep abreast of medical developments in your field. Even for sedentary desk workers, the effects of sitting down for long periods are well known, and can lead to all manner of weight and cardiac problems if not prevented or remedied with an appropriate diet or sufficient exercise.

So, don't become one of the 8,000. Be aware and stay healthy.

Unfortunately for some, it's a little too late for preventative measures, but it isn't too late to make a claim. In some instances, eligible claimants can also be entitled to state payments from the government. So if you're suffering from ill health that could be related to your past occupations, there may well be a connection.

Some of the most common industrial disease claims include asbestosis claim, back pain compensation as well as for cases like occupational asthma and white finger claims.

If you would like more information on whether you're eligible to make a claim, or if you would like some advice on how to proceed with making one; speak to your local personal injury solicitor today. Money can't repair the damage, but it can help to make life easier if you succeed.

Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People "Gold Award"; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.

Effective Tips When Searching For Divorce Lawyers

Marriage is an important institution that is often characterized by love and mutual understanding. However, there comes a time when couples can no longer agree on anything. In such instances, divorce is the only available option. Individuals who still hang on to their marriages despite the hardships often do that out of fear of solitude or other reasons. Going through this process can be quite difficult and overwhelming. This emphasizes the need for hiring divorce lawyers. One ought to get the very best there is to guide him/her with the court proceedings among other things.

Divorces are increasing in number as the days pass by. This is the reason why many attorneys specialize in this field of law. As such, it is imperative to conduct a good research before choosing an ideal person for the job. Not all of them are competent enough or good enough to handle different situations. It is best to have a list of many since initial consultations are often free.

The internet is the first place most people would visit when conducting such research. Technology has made everything easier, since almost everything is accessible within a click of the mouse. The various websites available would definitely give one a list of attorneys within their area. Additionally, it would be easier to read their online reviews in order to determine their reputation.

Word of mouth is another good avenue for the search. Talking to friends and relatives who have been in similar situations in the past also helps a great deal. They are likely to have a list of references of credible attorneys. Moreover, they know the kind of people to avoid when faced by such situations. In most cases, they judge the credibility of a lawyer in question by the first hand experiences they had.

During the initial consultations, it is important to ask for all the important credentials. Such include academic certifications and license. This would help prevent fraud. Some individuals are just out to swindle innocent civilians without any suspicions.

One other tip is to work with an attorney within the locality or state. Law disparity among the different states could hinder the lawyer from winning the case. It is therefore important that he/she be well versed with the laws of the land.

Specialization is also an important thing. Divorce lawyers specialize in different fields be sure to hire one within your specific problem. One that is versed with family law would be a better option since they can help with child custody problems among other issues.

Bank Fraud Lawyers and Insurance Fraud - An In Depth Look at Legal Issues

Bank fraud is the violation of a legislation regarding this specific financial institution or possibly similar one.  Fraudulent entities or just unscrupulous people are often creating fake statements or simply overvaluing the home they offer to banks. This kind of case is generally handled by a bank fraud lawyer.

Things to know about bank scam

A bank scam takes place when there is a planned attempt towards misrepresentation to be able to acquire a loan, money, commodities or valued asset possessed or taken by a bank or similar financial institution. Most people recognize that bank scam is just like bank robbery or theft. It is not very true mainly because, even though something will likely wind up obtained illegally, the activity that it was obtained differ greatly.

In a bank robbery, the people doing it undertake the activity openly.

In a bank scam, the individual or organizations committing this manage this in secrecy. In the United States, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the main law enforcement organisation handling the cases.  

A bank fraud lawyer work with cases relating to criminal offenses involving finance. They generally work with business scam, wealth scam, loan scam, identity theft, insurance scam, security and commodity scam.  This particular attorney is concerned with different aspects of financial legislation and its application on daily events and likely transactions. The attorney can likewise help discuss with the bank or financial institution. A great number of bank fraud lawyers engaged in this practice supervise unsolved cases. In addition they provide much assistance in case future bank fraud cases arise.

Such attorneys work with other legal issues including multiple refinancing.  They may also help people who aren't able to pay a number of monthly installments. They can offer legal help to those who might be having difficulties as a result of high interest rates.

In some cases, the attorneys also can guide people dealing with specific financing problems. For instance, those who end up with loan amounts higher than the actual value of their asset. They can likewise assist in cases where a person suddenly stops paying monthly installments.

Such legal professionals may legally represent individuals or financial institutions. When an individual believes a bank or financial institution might be carrying out scam, the individual can seek the services of a legal professional for this reason.  If the bank or financial institution, on the other hand,  sees a fraudulent attempt taken against them, they could file for a complaint and ask for justice.

Information on insurance scam

Insurance fraud in California sometimes happens. Yearly, insurance fraud in California costs firms millions of dollars as a result of fake claims. Common types of insurance scam may involve fictitious deceptive worker claims and false or exaggerated reports of theft or robbery.

Some individuals lead to deceptive personnel claims mainly because they are dissatisfied employees. Other people just want to receive a lot more money from their insurance plan so they can quit working.  A number of  company entrepreneurs may turn to scam since they're taking a loss. A few do this to have their businesses afloat in the time of lean times.

Bank fraud and insurance fraud in California might possibly continue as systems rely more on electronic data instead of careful investigation. Fortunately, regulations are being kept up to date everyday to counteract such criminal activities. The FBI and other law enforcement bureaus continue to watch over financial matters to protect over these important matters.