A Pipe Fitters Death Is Linked To Asbestos Exposure

By James

Category: Industry

Asbestos-linked death of a pipe fitter - information is being sought!

Phillip Peter Webster, affectionately known as Peter, passed away last year at the age of 84, succumbing to mesothelioma—a lung lining cancer resulting from asbestos exposure.

In his quest for truth, his son Kevin Webster has engaged the services of Irwin Mitchell's expert asbestos-related disease lawyers to delve into his father's passing and its potential connection to his work history.

On the Workers' Memorial Day, Kevin Webster extended an appeal to his father's former colleagues at the Croydon-based firm Mather and Platt, urging them to share any insights into the working conditions Peter would have faced.

They are actively seeking to locate individuals who may have memories of Peter Webster during his tenure at the engineering company Mather and Platt in Croydon. Webster served at the company from 1964 to 1982.

Angela Davies, the proficient asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell providing support to Kevin and his family, stated: "“Peter’s mesothelioma diagnosis came as a real shock to him and his family. Attempting to come to terms with such a distressing diagnosis meant Peter was unable to explore how he encountered asbestos before his death."

Peter Webster commenced his employment with Mather and Platt at the age of 27 in 1964 and remained there for the subsequent 18 years. As one of the firm's pipe fitters, Webster was primarily engaged in the installation of sprinkler systems as part of fire protection measures in commercial buildings across the country. This encompassed projects in establishments operated by prominent retailers and department stores like Marks and Spencer, John Lewis, and Selfridges, as well as other locations such as Gatwick Airport.

Peter informed Kevin that his responsibilities involved installing new pipes and repairing older ones, which were insulated with a material that potentially contained asbestos. His tasks also included dismantling and reassembling ceilings composed of tiles.

Peter had enjoyed good health until he began experiencing respiratory symptoms, including breathing difficulties, in January 2021. Following medical examinations, he received a mesothelioma diagnosis in February 2022. Peter passed away in the hospital on March 15, 2022, with his son by his side.

Kevin Webster expressed, “Dad had been in good health prior to having some breathing difficulties, so the mesothelioma diagnosis came as a complete shock. It’s only when asked if he ever worked with asbestos that we began to realise how he could possibly have developed such a serious illness.”

Individuals with information that could assist Kevin are encouraged to contact Angela Davies at Irwin Mitchell on 0114 274 4538.

Workers' Memorial Day commemorates those who have lost their lives due to their occupation and advocates for enhanced workplace health and safety standards and increased protection for employees.

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