Asbestos: a hidden killer

Asbestos is the primary cause of work-related cancer. It is now illegal to use asbestos in the construction or refurbishment of buildings, but the Health and Safety Executive estimates that 500,000 non-domestic buildings in the UK still contain asbestos.

Prospect pursues compensation claims for asbestos-related illness every year. We sometimes need help from members' former colleagues to help prove that asbestos is involved. But many sufferers have lost touch with former colleagues by the time their condition comes to light.

Asbestos register: tell Prospect if you've worked with asbestos

So we have set up a register to record details of members' workplace exposure to asbestos. So far more than 700 people have volunteered this information. The register is held by our solicitors Russell Jones & Walker (RJW).

If you have worked with asbestos, please add your details to the register. The register will be used if you ever need to make a claim on your own behalf, or to help pursue claims on behalf of your colleagues or former colleagues.

RJW will search the register for witnesses who worked for the same employer or in the same workplace amnd so provide evidence in support of members' claims. This will help them succeed in claims for Prospect members or their bereaved families and can bring financial peace of mind and justice to those affected by asbestos diseases.

To register, contact asbestos@prospect.org.uk, or download the PDF version of our asbestos registration form.

If you are suffering from an asbestos-related disease and want to submit a claim for compensation, you can find more information in the 'legal services' area of our site.

More information about asbestos

HSE's asbestos home page: www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm

Hidden killer – HSE's asbestos campaign: www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/campaign/index.htm

General information for workers about asbestos - www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/employees.htm

Guidance for safety reps: www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/repsguide.pdf

Inadvertent exposure, advice for workers: www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/fod/oc/200-299/265-48-2.htm

Inadvertent exposure, advice for employers: www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/fod/oc/200-299/265-48-1.htm

Roger Lowe campaign