An asbestos scare at the Waikato Hospital in New Zealand forced emergency crews to close off a patient transfer hallway. The event also subjected four individuals to an extensive decontamination process.
Accident reports state that an electrician removed a light fitting when a significant amount of asbestos fell from the ceiling. Hamilton senior station officer Dave Gunn said that emergency crews responded quickly in two trucks, one of which contained the hazardous materials unit. The team reported to the stairwell that the electrician had been working in to begin a necessary clean-up.
Three contractors, including the electrician and one hospital employee, were sent through the hospital’s decontamination unit as a precaution.
The stairwell leads to the cafeteria in the Waiora Waikato Centre, but Waikato District Health Board communications director Mary Anne Gill maintains that the cafeteria was unaffected by the asbestos accident. She also stated that the hospital took “maximum precautions” to remedy the situation, and the “risk was extremely low”.
Emergency crews worked through the night testing for asbestos in the air in the accident area.
If you or a loved one believe you have sustained injuries or contracted an illness, such as lung cancer or mesothelioma, from exposure to asbestos, please contact our highly skilled Boston, MA asbestos injury lawyers or our Boston personal injury lawyers immediately at 617-787-3700 or at info@gilhoylaw.com to arrange a free, confidential consultation to discuss your asbestos exposure claim.
If a loved one’s death is linked to asbestos exposure, please contact our expert Boston, MA wrongful death lawyers to set up your consultation.
Our nationally recognized Massachusetts asbestos injury lawyers and Massachusetts personal injury accident attorneys are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you through your asbestos exposure claim and assist you in obtaining the substantial damages you deserve.
Your needs are our top priority!
