Engineer Diagnosed With Mesothelioma On Golden Wedding Anniversary
28/04/2011
A former BT installation engineer has launched a fight for justice after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma on the day of his 50th wedding anniversary.
Frederick Sidney Vincent, 76, from Torquay in Devon was diagnosed with the aggressive cancer on 4 March 2011, the same day as his golden wedding anniversary, and has approached specialist asbestos illness solicitors at Irwin Mitchell to help him in his fight for justice.
Mr Vincent, who is married with two daughters and five grandchildren, worked as an installation engineer for British Telecom for 30 years, where he would regularly come into contact with asbestos. Much of his work was in telephone exchanges in Devon, where asbestos was commonly used as a fire protection measure.
Even as a 15-year-old, Mr Vincent came into contact with the deadly material. Between 1950 and 1953, he worked as a Telegram Boy for the Post Office and was required to conduct the monthly fire drills, which involve shaking out an asbestos blanket. A motorcycle that he was issued with also had asbestos brakes.
Between 1959 and 1962 Mr Vincent was exposed to more asbestos whilst working for the largest employer in Paignton; Standard Telephones and Cables.
Asbestos was widely used within the factory, particularly in the sub floor area where old pipes were lagged with asbestos which was crumbling and in poor condition.
Helen Grady, from the Bristol office of Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, who is representing Mr Vincent in his legal battle for justice, explained: “Even in the 1960s and 70s employers knew of the risks associated with asbestos and the dangers of inhaling lethal fibres.
“However, Frederick’s employer never warned him about these dangers or provided him with breathing equipment which could have protected him.
“As there can be a delay of 20 years or more between exposure and the onset of symptoms, many workers like Frederick are only now making the terrible discovery that their health has been affected because of exposure to asbestos.
“These workers had a basic right to go to work and earn a living without having their health put at risk.
“Although nothing can turn back the clock for Frederick we are determined to fight for justice for him and other workers in the South West who are the innocent victims of poor workplace health and safety.”
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