Former Rotherham factory worker appeals for witnesses after asbestos lung disease diagnosis
A man who worked in Rotherham factories across five decades has appealed for witnesses following his diagnosis with asbestosis, a chronic lung disease caused by asbestos exposure.
Posted on 26 February 2025
Ronald Maiden, who was often known as Ron or Ronnie, started working at Gummers Limited, which made bathroom and toilet fittings, in 1952 when he was 15 years old.
Initially too young to begin an apprenticeship, Ronald was given various tasks to do including cutting up asbestos rope using a hacksaw to prepare it for use in bathroom components.
Ronald then progressed to working on the assembly of valves, which saw him use asbestos rope as a tight seal between parts when constructing them. He was also tasked with repairing and maintaining old valves, which involved the removal of old asbestos material.
Ronald was generally based at the fitter's shop in the factory, which he recalls as being a dusty workspace in which people were consistently working with asbestos materials.
After working at Gummers until around 1977/78, Ronald then went to work at metal manufacturing factory Templeborough Rolling Mills.
In this role, Ronald handled metal samples straight out of the foundry to be sent for testing. He was provided with protective equipment made of asbestos due to its heat-resistant properties, including asbestos gloves and asbestos blankets which would deteriorate over time.
Ronald worked at Templeborough Rolling Mills until around 1993/94, and would eventually retire a few years later.
After experiencing progressively worse shortness of breath over a number of years, Ronald was diagnosed with asbestosis - which sees inflammation and scarring of the lungs - in late 2023.
Following his diagnosis, Ronald instructed law firm Leigh Day to investigate his claim. He is now looking for witnesses who worked at Gumming Limited or Templeborough Rolling Mills at a similar time to him, who can help confirm the presence of asbestos and build a clearer picture of the working conditions.
Ronald Maiden said:
“I’m hoping to trace former colleagues who can verify the conditions in which we worked which heave led to me developing an asbestos related condition.”
Leigh Day partner Louisa Saville, who represents Ronald, said:
“Throughout long periods working at factories in Rotherham, it is very possible that Ronald came into contact with asbestos which would eventually lead to his asbestosis diagnosis. We are hoping to speak to anyone working at the factories at a similar time to Ronald who can help provide further information about the working conditions there. Any information could be greatly beneficial to Ronald’s claim.”
Anyone who has information can contact Louisa on 0161 804 0761 or email lsaville@leighday.co.uk.
Louisa Saville
Louisa Saville is a partner in the asbestos team.
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