Man dies from mesothelioma after workplace asbestos exposure

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 17:08 · Archive

Derek Galliers, 78, from Martlesham, died of mesothelioma decades after being exposed to asbestos at work.

Derek Galliers, 78, from Martlesham, died of mesothelioma at St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich on 25 February. An inquest held at Suffolk Coroners' Court heard he was exposed to asbestos decades earlier in his working life.

Mr Galliers left school aged 15 to start an apprenticeship in heating, ventilation and welding for Z.D. Berry & Son in London. He worked on hospitals, schools and shopping centres, including the Littlewoods department store in Marble Arch, where asbestos was used as insulation. He said removing asbestos lagging released 'clouds of asbestos', making it 'impossible to avoid inhaling this dust'. He also mixed asbestos powder with water to make a paste and swept up debris, all without being warned of the dangers.

In a statement written before his death, Mr Galliers said: 'Essentially, they didn't give us any warnings until after the horse had bolted.' He had never smoked and was diagnosed with mesothelioma after developing breathlessness in 2021. He was admitted to St Elizabeth Hospice in January to manage his symptoms. The coroner concluded Mr Galliers died from an industrial disease.

How it is being reported

• Dying man had 'no warning until after the horse had bolted' over asbestos exposureDerek Galliers, from Martlesham, died from asbestos-related mesothelioma aged 78, an inquest in Suffolk heard, after exposure at work decades ago.East Anglian Daily Times · 2 Nov, 16:30
• Dying man had 'no warning until after the horse had bolted' over asbestos exposureDerek Galliers, from Martlesham, died from asbestos-related mesothelioma aged 78, an inquest in Suffolk heard, after exposure at work decades ago.Ipswich Star · 2 Nov, 16:30

In this story: Derek Galliers · Z.D. Berry & Son · Martlesham · Ipswich · Littlewoods · Marble Arch · St Elizabeth Hospice · Suffolk Coroners' Court

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