News and Knowledge

Asbestos: Fear of ‘tsunami’ of deaths in UK schools

A new report has claimed that hundreds of thousands of people will die from asbestos exposure in UK schools after the ‘hidden killer’ still remains in public buildings.   According to statistics, at least 1,400 teachers and support staff, and 12,600 pupils have died from mesothelioma (an aggressive lung cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibres)…

Did you work at Tata Steel?

Port Talbot’s Tata Steelworks shut down this week, resulting in 2,800 jobs being put at risk.   Earlier this year it was announced that Tata was making job cuts after plans were released to go ahead with a greener form of steelmaking.     Tata Steel, announced plans to produce steel more environmentally friendly, using…

Hepatitis B – What You Need To Know

In this article we look at what Hepatitis B is, symptoms, prevention and what to do if you think you have been exposed to the disease at work. What is Hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is a liver infection, which can be spread through blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. Hepatitis B normally lasts for a few…

Oakwood Solicitors Sponsors APF – Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Oakwood Solicitors is proud to sponsor Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF) this September for its annual Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month.   The collaboration is aimed at increasing awareness of pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a debilitating lung disease that affects thousands of people in the UK, and provide support for those diagnosed with the condition.     As part…

HSE launches two Asbestos Campaigns to highlight risks

The Health and Safety Executive is running two consecutive asbestos campaigns to highlight safety concerns and the measures that should be taken to keep workers safe.   Asbestos is a toxic material that was used in building and construction up until the 1990s – before it was banned. If disturbed, asbestos can cause fatal lung…

UK Mesothelioma hotspots revealed

New figures have revealed where in the UK has the highest number of Mesothelioma-related deaths, as the latest figures published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show the number of deaths is the highest on record.   Between 2013 and 2022, there were more than 24,000 deaths – nearly 4000 more than the decade…

Royal Marine Captain sues MoD for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

A former Royal Marine captain who served around the world, is suing the Ministry of Defence over claims that his time in service has left him deaf.   Richard King worked with the Royal Marines for 36 years, where he was sent to some of the most deadliest spots, plagued with civil unrest including several…

Ford car factory closed after asbestos discovery

A Ford car factory has been forced to close after banned asbestos was found in sections of the building.   In a letter to customers, Ford – the UK’s second largest car brand, warned that a “small percentage” of chrysotile, commonly known as white asbestos, was detected in cement at one of its UK locations.  …

Experts call for ban on artificial stone worktops over silicosis risk

The growing number of silicosis cases linked to artificial stone worktops has sparked experts to call for urgent action, including a potential ban on these materials.   Silicosis is a fatal lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, which is prevalent in artificial stone due to its high silica content. The disease has no known…

Armed Forces forced to pay out £150m in compensation for hearing loss claims

Ministry of Defence chiefs have been forced to pay out £150 million in compensation to personnel and former Armed Forces members who claim their hearing was damaged by their time in service.   According to figures obtained by The Telegraph, close to 10,000 serving and former members of the Armed Forces have been compensated for hearing…