The asbestos-related disease, mesothelioma, has claimed more than 35,000 lives in the past 30 years, and research by the Health & Safety Executive shows death rates are increasing.

In 2007 2,156 people died from mesothelioma alone, up 5% on the previous year. With a higher death rate than road casualties, HSE’s Stephen Williams feels workers are naïve to the constant threat of asbestos.

"What comes across from the figures is the size of the problem – these are big figures. The HSE is finding that workers, particularly tradespeople, don’t think they are personally at risk," commented Mr Williams.

This week, 11 employment agencies were warned by the Employment Agency Standards over advertising asbestos removal jobs. The agencies did not obtain licences from the HSE allowing them to legally advertise the position, showing how common and widespread asbestos-related problems are becoming.

The HSE is launching its "Hidden Killers" Campaign this week. The £1.2m Campaign is targeting workers’ knowledge of workplace dangers, hoping to raise both awareness of the risks posed by asbestos and the need for proper protection.

"The one thing we hear time and again from older workers is that they were never told about the risks of working with asbestos," added HSE’s Asbestos Programme Director, Steve Coldrick.

If you have been diagnosed as suffering from any asbestos-related illness the likelihood is that it has been caused by your work – even if it was a long time ago.

To arrange a free initial consultation, phone 0800 214072 or e-mail pi@fosters-solicitors.co.uk.