2009-10-08

By Editor, CIR

New research on cases of mesothelioma highlights a need to examine potential exposures to asbestos-related claims, ahead of a predicted peak in 2016.

The White Paper Mesothelioma Claims which was produced by Marsh in conjunction with the University of East Anglia (UEA), examines 15% of the court cases commenced between September 2006 and October 2007, and reveals that only one-quarter (27.5%) of the claims analysed were found to involve organisations operating in the mechanical, electrical and process engineering industries. The rest of the cases examined emanated from claims in the chemicals industry (11%); construction (7.5%); metals and minerals (6.5%); and the electronic products, electronics and IT hardware sector (6.5%). The final settlement values in the cases reviewed ranged between GBP50,000 and GBP200,000.

Over a third (36%) of the cases examined were from 1956 to 1960, making it likely that initial exposure would have been 40 years prior to the effective start of a claim. This indicator, supported by data from the Health and Safety Executive which indicates UK mesothelioma claims are expected to peak in 2016, suggests that it is likely that affected employees will have been exposed to asbestos between the late 1960s and mid 1970s.

Marsh's research also suggests that widespread publicity surrounding mesothelioma claims is impacting on the number being made by dependants which, at 47%, is almost as many as the number instigated by principals (53%).

Ian Pelham, who oversaw the research project with UEA and is a managing consultant at InSolutions, part of Marsh's Risk Consulting Practice, commented: "Marsh's research highlights that few, if any, industries are immune to the possibility of mesothelioma claims arising from past employment practices.

"Mergers and acquisitions in the second half of the 20th Century, followed by a contraction back to 'core business', has resulted in many organisations now being unaware of their potential exposures to asbestos-related claims.

To obtain a copy of the white paper, Mesothelioma Claims, contact vivian.x.wong@marsh.com

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