Birmingham University Prosecuted By Mesothelioma Victim

Mr A was exposed to asbestos while working in the building trade at Birmingham University during the 1950s and 60s. He was employed by various companies on different jobs across the university campus and believes he encountered asbestos on several of these assignments.

One notable job was with Turrifs Construction Corporation Limited, where Mr A worked in the labyrinth of tunnels beneath the university, fitting skirting boards. These tunnels housed massive pipes and large industrial boilers, all of which were lagged with asbestos. Mr A installed the skirting boards in close proximity to this pipework, likely bringing him into direct contact with asbestos dust. The working conditions were extremely hazardous, there was no ventilation in the tunnels, increasing the risk of inhaling hazardous fibres.

Following his work at Birmingham University, Mr A was employed by Hamers of Tottenham Court Road, London—a company he believes may have been affiliated with Brasted Brothers Limited. During this period, he was involved in fitting out a new laboratory, which included installing benches, cupboards, and refitting existing lab infrastructure.

A significant part of this job involved working on fume cupboards, which were designed to withstand high temperatures and therefore required fireproof materials. The panels used in these cupboards had asbestos-lined backs. To install them, Mr A had to drill holes in each corner of the panel before inserting a jigsaw blade to cut along the edges. This process generated a substantial amount of asbestos dust, which he had to blow away to see his work, causing the dust to rise directly into his face.

There was no respiratory protection provided. The only protective gear issued was an apron, leaving his hands and clothes exposed to the dust. Gloves were not supplied. Mr A would eat lunch on-site without washing his hands, further increasing his exposure to asbestos fibres from both his clothing and the surrounding environment. He recalls shaking out his apron at home, unknowingly releasing even more asbestos particles into the air.

Additionally, while working at Birmingham University, Mr A remembers being in close proximity to laggers who mixed asbestos in bath-sized containers. They would add water to the dry asbestos before applying it to pipework. Although he wasn’t directly handling the material during these moments, he often worked nearby and believes this secondary exposure further contributed to his risk.