Link between asbestos and job investigated

The link between a man who was killed by mesothelioma and his job as a railway worker is being investigated, according to a source.

Brian Coleman died last year, suffering from the lung disease, after holding a position at the Doncaster Plant Works as an accounts officer, reports the Star.

Lawyers are now investigating if there is a link between his death and asbestos found in the factory over 50 years ago.

Denis O'Gorman, an industrial disease specialist at Irwin Mitchell who is working on the case, told the newspaper asbestos cement, rope and blankets were used in the factory.

"His employers had a duty to protect all the workers who could have been exposed to the deadly fibres," he added.

Mr Coleman's wife Ruth said he was diagnosed with the disease in April 2006 and died a year later, stating he did not realise his work may have "a devastating effect on his health later in life".

Last week Leigh Carlisle was revealed to be the youngest woman to die from mesothelioma, with the Daily Mail reporting she may have been in contact with asbestos in school.