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3 November 2022 | Witness Appeals | Article by Richard Green

Witness Appeal: Did you work with the late Mr John Cummings at Associated Ethyl Company Ltd (Octel)?


The specialist asbestos litigation team at Hugh James have been instructed by Ms Jennifer Jones, following her diagnosis with the asbestos-related disease mesothelioma.

Jennifer believes that she was exposed to asbestos as a child through her late father, Mr John Cummings, who worked at Associated Ethyl Company Ltd (now Innospec Limited), also known as Octel, in Ellesmere Port. Mr Cummings was born in 1910 and worked at Octel’s Ellesmere Port chemical plant between approximately 1953 and 1975.

Unfortunately, Jennifer has limited information about her father’s work at Octel but believes that he carried out a manual role. We understand that Mr Cummings started at Octel in 1953 as a Process Operator. We believe that he worked at the Alloy Plant, which was part of the lead works. We further believe that he may have carried out the role of ‘Amenity Foreman’ around 1962.

Jennifer recalls that her father’s clothes were always dusty and dirty when he returned home from work. Her mother would launder his dusty clothes, and sometimes Jennifer would help with doing this. We believe that Jennifer would have been exposed to asbestos dust by way of her father’s work clothes.

Jennifer is appealing for witnesses who may have worked with her late father, or who worked at Octel’s Ellesmere Port site between 1953 and 1975 and can recall the working conditions there. We have evidence which indicates that asbestos was widely used at the site around this time, and that manual workers worked with asbestos on a regular basis. We are also aware that manual workers worked in proximity to laggers who were mixing asbestos on site.

Specialist solicitor Emma James says:

“We are hoping to identify Mr Cummings’ former colleagues or others who may have worked at the Octel Ellesmere Port site around this time. Unfortunately, our client is an innocent victim to this incurable asbestos-related disease, and we urgently need witnesses to come forward to bring justice to Jennifer and her family.”

Armed with the experience and specialist knowledge that is required for this complex area, Hugh James has helped thousands of people who have been either injured or developed an illness as a result of their work.

If you can help in any way, please contact Emma James on 02922 675 825 or [email protected].

Author bio

Richard Green

Partner

Richard is a Partner and Head of the Asbestos Litigation team. Richard specialises in asbestos-related disease claims and has recovered millions of pounds in compensation for his clients.

Disclaimer: The information on the Hugh James website is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated as such. If you would like to ensure the commentary reflects current legislation, case law or best practice, please contact the blog author.

 

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