Devonport Dockyard - Asbestosis

Devonport Dockyard & Asbestosis

Devonport dockyard has been a vital part of the local economy, not to mention the UK’s security, going all the way back to the 17th century. Even right up until the present day the Royal Navy estimate Devonport is directly responsible for 10% of Plymouth’s entire income – indeed that figure could even be higher when secondary and support industries are considered. With those kinds of statistics, very few lives in Plymouth and the surrounding area haven’t been touched in one way or another by Devonport.

Sadly, for some at least, that hasn’t been a positive experience due to the asbestos that was widely used on the site as recently as the 1980’s and 1990’s.

The dangers of asbestos use have been widely known for years, certainly long before any action was taken to ban its use at Devonport dockyard and throughout the UK.

The difficulty that employers and the Government faced however was that it was an extremely useful substance – it was relatively cheap, it was strong and it had excellent insulation and heat resistant properties.

It may be unfair to say that its health dangers were completely ignored, but at the same time the UK Courts have formed the view that employers who did use it even before it was banned are generally still liable for any related health conditions that may have developed as more could and should have been done to protect their workers.

If you or someone you know think that you may have developed an asbestos related condition due to working at Devonport dockyard then speak to the local experts, speak to Russell Worth Solicitors. It is free to contact us and we will only ever accept your case on a strict no win no fee basis.