Multinationals operating in developing countries frequently benefit from less stringently enforced health and safety and laws and standards. Injured workers often find it more difficult to obtain compensation at a local level.
Examples of diseases or illnesses that may typically occur include:
• Asbestosis, pleural thickening and mesothelioma;
• Respiratory problems such as silicosis and silico-tuberculosis;
• Poisoning through exposure to chemicals or dust;
• Repetitive strain injuries (for example, causing back pain);
• Noise induced hearing loss.
At Leigh Day we believe that all workers, wherever they live in the world, have the right to enjoy a safe and healthy working environment and that UK companies should be held to account under the same standards that apply in the UK and internationally.
Through a series of
ground-breaking cases, we have managed to hold UK companies to account for failing to ensure workers have safe and healthy work environments in their overseas operations.