Factory worker appeals for help

A FORMER machine operator suffering from a debilitating industrial disease is hoping old work colleagues can help with information about a factory where he believes he may have been exposed to asbestos.

By The Newsroom

Published 13th Mar 2013, 00:01 BST

Richard Bold, 66, of Withernsea, was diagnosed with pleural thickening, which causes the lining of the lungs to thicken, leaving him short of breath in 2010.

Mr Bold, who is pursuing a claim for compensation with the help of Irwin Mitchell solicitors, worked for 22 years at the since demolished Greenwood and Batley factory on Armley Road in Leeds, starting as an apprentice and ending up as a lathe operator, working close to areas where asbestos-insulated steam turbines were manufactured and repaired. He stayed there till 1984.

His condition means he has difficulty walking to the shops, and is no longer able to enjoy gardening and swimming.

He said: “The factory was always so dirty and dusty but I was never warned about the dangers of working closely to asbestos nor was I given a mask or any protective breathing equipment.” If you can help call 0113 2206233.