Industrial injury guide



A comprehensive guide to Industrial Injuries, Accidents and Disease

Industrial illness - Mesothelioma

Asbestos mine Of the many diseases and industrial injuries Mesothelioma is probably the one that draws much attention. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos; almost 9 out of 10. Mesothelioma starts in the covering of the lungs or the lining of the abdomen.

People working in industries where asbestosis was used extensively, such as demolition work, plumbing, and at power stations, were likely to have been exposed to breathing in fibres of asbestos often over a period of years.

In the United Kingdom almost 2000 people a year are diagnosed with mesothelioma. At least 3,500 people in Great Britain die each year from mesothelioma and asbestos related lung cancer as a result of past exposure to asbestos.

Cause

There are mainly three types of mesothelioma

  1. Peritoneal
  2. Pleural
  3. Pericardial

Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. This type of cancer does not appear suddenly and takes number if years before the symptoms become evident.

Symptom

Mesothelioma symptoms are difficult to spot since they are very similar to pneumonia. The main symptoms of mesothelioma are

  • Increasing breathlessness, especially when exercising
  • Coughing
  • Chest pain
  • A feeling of tightness in the chest.

Other symptoms that sometimes occur are nail abnormalities and clubbing of the fingers. Clubbing is when the fingers become thicker and broader, and the tip of the nails curves.

Diagnosis

Depending on the length someone has been exposed to asbestos, physician will decide to start treatment. Primary focus of screening is the lung since it is the most affected part of the body.

Other scans such as X-ray or CT scan are carried out. A biopsy may also be needed to carry out.

Unfortunately asbestosis or mesothelioma is not curable however if treated early the worsening of the condition can be solved.

The main treatment used in asbestosis is oxygen therapy, to try to increase the flow of oxygen into the body and counteract the effects of breathlessness.

Mesothelioma Compensation Regulations

  • Workers at most risk of mesothelioma
    Boilermakers and laggers, electricians, joiners, carpenters, builders, motor mechanic, pipe fitters, plumbers are at most risk of developing mesothelioma.
  • Entitlement Under the Industrial Injuries Act
    When an accident has arisen "in and out of" the course of employment, it must be reported to the Benefits Agency for registration as soon as possible.
  • Disablement benefit
    Disablement Benefit is a payment depending on the degree of disablement the injured person is still suffering as a result of the accident or disease when the injury benefit period ends. To qualify the accident must arise out of and in the course of the victim's duty and must be registered with the Benefits Agency as an Industrial Injury within a period of 3 months. If the victim does not make a complete recovery within a period of 3 months, an application should be made for disablement benefit. The claimant will be medically examined and the injuries assessed in a percentage term. If the assessment is 14% or more, a weekly payment depending on that percentage will be made for the duration of the assessment period.

 

Credit to Lisa fayed | Thomsons