Legal action will be taken by an ex Ross River Meatworks employee after it was alleged he had been exposed to asbestos during his employment between 1970 and 1971 with Townsville based meatworks.

In 2009, the 72 year old was diagnosed with mesothelioma – a disease brought on by exposure to asbestos. Since then his condition has deteriorated.

After emigrating from Italy in the late 1960s, The Ross River Meatworks was the first place of employment for the man where he worked as foreman in the boning room over two separate six month periods.

Trent Johnson from Maurice Blackburn Lawyers describes the man’s situation. “The people involved in these types of cases are people who have worked hard all their lives and don’t deserve to be struck down with an illness they weren’t expecting.

“There are workers across the country from all walks of life who have witnessed the trauma associated with high exposure to asbestos.”

The man has also filed a claim for workers compensation with WorkCover Queensland.

Source: Townsville Bulletin – 15/07/2011