Asbestos Prosecutions
The new Duty to Manage has been with us for a few weeks now. Whilst the HSE's prosecution database is waiting for its first entry, it is interesting to reflect on what is happening across the water where the equivalent regulations have been in force for some time. Our new partners at MACE have provided an analysis from the Internet that shows some startling statistics (all based on US organisations);
- Between now and 2014, some 100,000 Americans will die from asbestos related illnesses.
- Since the 1970's, companies have paid an estimated $20 billion in settlements and legal fees related to asbestos litigation.
- There are more than 200,000 cases pending today with the number of people expected to file injury claims possibly reaching 2.5 million.
- According to the Los Angeles Times (1/27/02), "the economic toll of asbestos could run as high as $200 billion, higher than estimates for all Superfund sites combined, Hurricane Andrew or the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks".
- In the past two years there has been a proliferation of claims by unimpaired plaintiffs alleging marginal medical conditions or "possible" future illnesses.
- Over 70 household named companies have filed for bankruptcy, SOLELY because of claims relating to asbestos. And these companies are not all asbestos Manufacturers.
- Currently, 8400 companies face current asbestos litigation; these companies include:
- Campbell's Soups
- Dow Jones & Co.
- Sears
- Ernest and Julio Gallo Winery
There is probably at least an even chance that a similar pattern will follow in the UK over the coming months unless organisations attend to their duties properly. This includes the management & auditing process for which we have one of the best tools available now.
Source information includes:
Case Studies
We have recently added two case studies to our web site. These feature EDF Energy and Transport for London with a few highlights about our relationship with them with our ToolKit CS™ product.
More Information
Please review our web pages or call us for more information on our CDM and Asbestos Management products. Product data sheets are available as PDF file downloads from our web site.