Cruise ship asbestos exposure

Companies fined in cruise ship asbestos exposure case

Two UK companies have been prosecuted in a case of asbestos exposure on board a five-star luxury cruise ship.

The Hebridean Princess, which offers cruises around the Orkney and Shetland Islands, was docked in Middlesbrough in December 2009 for refurbishment work. No asbestos survey had been carried out beforehand, although an earlier survey from 2008 had revealed asbestos was present in another part of the ship. Two self-employed labourers were hired to remove ceiling panels in a passenger lounge but stopped on the second day when the shipyard raised concerns over the presence of asbestos. Tests later revealed that asbestos was present in the area, meaning the workers were subject to asbestos exposure.

Ship management company Andrew Weir Shipping and tour operator All Leisure Holidays both pleaded guilty under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. Andrew Weir Shipping was ordered to pay a £12,000 fine and £5,829 costs, while All Leisure Holidays must pay £6,000 plus £5,640 costs.

Asbestos exposure compensation

Of course, the two companies could face further costs if the workers make an industrial disease claim. It can take a long time for symptoms of asbestos exposure to appear, but the consequences can be severe, including Asbestosis, Mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Unfortunately asbestos was once a commonly used material on ships, thanks to its heat resistant, water-resistant and resilient properties. Ships that have been in service for many years may, therefore, contain asbestos, and any refurbishment work should be preceded by a survey. Exposure to asbestos fibres could pose a threat to shipping workers, dock workers, ship staff and even passengers.

If you have been affected by asbestos exposure, find out if you are entitled to claim for industrial disease compensation by contacting Sheldon Davidson Solicitors' team of Manchester Personal Injury Lawyers. They will advise you on the best way to proceed with your claim and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the optimum level of compensation.

Sheldon Davidson Solicitors are Personal Injury Claim specialists with expertise in settling a broad range of Personal Injury Claims, including everything from Industrial Disease Claims to Medical Negligence Claims, such as Defective Medical Device Claims.