In a recent issue of Contract Journal, officials from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) predicted that there will be an increase of deaths related to mesothelioma, and the journal also predicted that those within the construction industry would largely be affected by mesothelioma and developing the cancer within the next several years.



The journal reported that of the several reasons construction workers die on the job include the following:

* falls from height

* moving or falling objects

* moving machinery

* slips and trips

* asbestos exposure

Of the mesothelioma and asbestosis deaths, the HSE reports that, "in 2006 there were 111 deaths from asbestosis and 2,056 from mesothelioma and the HSE expects deaths from mesothelioma to peak at some point between current levels and 2,450 at some time before 2015."

An additional report from the HSE found that in the United Kingdom alone, there were approximately 4,000 deaths from mesothelioma each year, with a large portion of this number likely deriving from employees within the construction industry.

When the exposure of fibers and dust occurs, an individual may develop mesothelioma cancer. Derived from vermiculite, asbestos was a prized mineral because of its ability to be inexpensively reproduced and its fire-retardant characteristics.

Asbestos is "a group of naturally occurring, fibrous minerals with high tensile strength, flexibility, and resistance to heat, chemicals and electricity," according to the Occupation and Safety Health Administration (OSHA)." OSHA describes the following asbestos uses in the construction world:

* sprayed-on fireproofing

* pipe insulation

* drywall joint compounds

* roofing felts and shingles

* ceiling tiles

* fire-resistant drywall

* acoustical products

* cement pipe and sheet

* floor tiles

Asbestos and Construction

While OSHA has developed standards for the construction industry as per the Occupational Standards Safety Act of 1970, the industry remains unregulated to a degree. For example, a recent report from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) found that a standard U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) check in Florida revealed thousands of falsified documents for individuals employed to remove asbestos.

It is a legal requirement that individuals who are in charge of asbestos removal receive authentic certification for their employment. Although, illegally obtained social security numbers and forged documents were found.

Developing Mesothelioma Litigation

Individuals who have suffered from the debilitating condition of mesothelioma cancer could potentially qualify for a return of monetary compensation with the development of a mesothelioma lawsuit. Developing mesothelioma litigation may aid mesothelioma victims in receiving monetary compensation for their costly medical bills.

Copyright (c) 2008 Katie Kelley