Family Appeals for Information in Lancaster Asbestos Death Case
Published on 09/01/2026 at 21:17 | Editorial boerse-global.de
The family of a former Lancaster factory worker who died from an asbestos-related cancer is appealing for former colleagues to come forward with information. Anthony Allen, known as Tony, passed away on June 23, 2025, at the age of 81, just months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma — a cancer closely linked to asbestos exposure. His family hopes witness accounts will support a legal inquiry into the working conditions he faced in the 1960s.
Appeal for Former Colleagues at Lune Mills
Mr. Allen began work as an electrician in 1960 at James Williamson & Son, a company later known as Nairn-Williamson, based at Lune Mills in Lancaster. During his time there, he was reportedly involved in maintaining industrial ovens that used asbestos insulation.
His family says he first began experiencing symptoms in late 2023, with a mesothelioma diagnosis following in early 2025. The disease, which can take decades to develop after exposure, is frequently linked to asbestos in industrial settings.
David Dunne of Slater and Gordon, the family's legal representative, has called on former employees who remember working with Mr. Allen — or who have knowledge of conditions at the factory during that period — to come forward.
Tragic cases like this underscore how critical it is to document workplace hazards properly — yet many employers still lack compliant risk assessments. A free toolkit with 41 ready-to-use templates and checklists helps you identify and record risks before they lead to harm. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit
Asbestos Risks Remain a UK-Wide Concern
The appeal highlights a continuing national issue. Recent data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) indicates asbestos-related conditions still cause approximately 5,000 deaths annually in the UK, though some research estimates suggest the true figure could be as high as 22,500.
The disease does not only affect older workers. In 2024, Liam Exley died at the age of 20 from mesothelioma after first showing symptoms at 17. A 2024 report found that at least 12,600 former pupils and 1,400 teachers have died from the disease since 1980, with asbestos present in around 75% of schools across the country.
Compensation Changes for Industrial Dust Disease Victims
In a separate development, the British government has announced adjustments to compensation for families of those who died from silicosis — another industrial dust disease. Starting October 31, families will be eligible for the same compensation levels as living victims.
Previously, families received an average of £10,700 compared to £17,700 for living claimants. Minister Stephen Timms indicated that legislation is being introduced to address the disparity, following dozens of cases linked to silica dust from kitchen countertops.
Working with hazardous substances like asbestos or silica demands rigorous safety documentation. A free COSHH toolkit provides 43 customisable templates, checklists and toolbox talks to help you meet your legal duty to assess risks from dangerous materials. Get the free COSHH Toolkit
Legal Deadlines and Industry Safety Cases
Those seeking to file claims related to other asbestos liabilities face an upcoming deadline. Kroll Restructuring Administration has noted that claims in the Asbestos Corporation Limited (ACL) insolvency proceedings must be submitted by September 10, 2026.
Elsewhere in industrial safety, Algoma Steel pleaded guilty on September 1, 2026, to charges stemming from the June 2023 death of a 21-year-old contract worker. The company was fined $250,000 after the worker suffocated in a gas pipeline that lacked proper warning signs.
Lawmakers in Washington state are also considering revisions to safety regulations following a tank collapse in May 2026 that resulted in 11 fatalities. The infrastructure had been deemed unsuitable in a 2025 inspection.
