Investigation Launched: Lawyer Seeks Justice for Asbestos Victim

News Summary

Following the tragic death of Stuart Jackson, a former colliery worker who succumbed to mesothelioma linked to asbestos exposure, an investigation has been launched. His wife, Carole Jackson, is now working with lawyer Oliver Collett to gather accounts from Stuart’s former colleagues at Glasshoughton Colliery. This appeal aims to uncover the dangerous working conditions that contributed to his illness, shedding light on the critical need for workplace safety.

Investigation Launched Following Tragic Death of Former Colliery Worker Linked to Asbestos Exposure

A troubling investigation is underway after the death of Stuart Jackson, a former colliery worker from Castleford, who succumbed to mesothelioma—a devastating cancer strongly associated with asbestos exposure. Stuart was just 66 years old when he passed away on March 7, 2023, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Life and Work at Glasshoughton Colliery

Stuart began his career with the National Coal Board in 1972 at Glasshoughton Colliery, taking on various roles throughout his tenure including working on the pit top, in the stockyard, stores, and the lamp room. After a brief stint at another colliery, Stuart returned in 1979 as a medical centre attendant.

It was in this role that he likely came into contact with harmful asbestos. The medical centre he worked in shared a building with the pit head baths, which underwent significant refurbishment during his employment. Alarmingly, the refurbishment process involved the removal of lagging believed to contain asbestos from the plant and hot water pipes serving the pit baths. Reports suggest the area where Stuart worked was not sufficiently cordoned off, leaving him vulnerable to dust and fibers.

Moreover, contractors allegedly failed to dispose of asbestos debris with proper precautions, further increasing the risk of exposure to Stuart and his colleagues. In the aftermath of these allegations, Stuart was diagnosed with mesothelioma in November 2022, prompting his wife, Carole Jackson, to seek legal assistance to uncover more about his illness.

A Family in Mourning

Carole, 67, married Stuart in 1976 and together they have two children, Vicky (42) and Lee (39). Their son Lee is the proud father of three children: Amelia, Liam, and Connor, while Vicky has one son, named Callum. With the loss of Stuart, the family faces a profound impact on their future.

Stuart’s health condition deteriorated over the course of 2022, leading to the fitting of a pacemaker. Following this procedure, he developed a persistent cough along with numerous chest infections, ultimately culminating in his tragic passing.

Seeking Witnesses for Justice

Following her husband’s passing, Carole has enlisted the help of Irwin Mitchell lawyers, represented by specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer Oliver Collett. Their mission is to gather vital information from Stuart’s former colleagues who worked with him at Glasshoughton during the 1970s and 1980s. They hope that these accounts can illuminate the circumstances surrounding Stuart’s workplace exposure to asbestos.

In conjunction with this appeal, the significance of Workers’ Memorial Day observed on April 28 cannot be overstated, as it emphasizes the fundamental right to health and safety at work. Carole expresses a profound hope that community recollections may shed light on her husband’s exposure to this deadly substance.

Call to Action

Anyone with information related to Stuart’s experiences or working conditions at Glasshoughton Colliery is urged to come forward. Interested individuals can reach out to Oliver Collett at Irwin Mitchell by calling 0113 394 6784 or via email at oliver.collett@irwinmitchell.com. Their contributions could play a critical role in seeking justice and uncovering the truth behind this tragic case.