Phurnacite workers win damages case

Published on 24/10/2012 03:00

A GROUP of former Phurnacite workers and their families have won their High Court damages action over illness caused by exposure to toxic fumes and dust.

They claimed that working conditions at the Abercwmboi Phurnacite Works in Aberaman, Cynon Valley, South Wales, which closed in 1990, led to respiratory diseases and cancers.

Mrs Justice Swift ruled in London yesterday that eight lead cases, representing a group of 183 claimants, had succeeded in establishing liability against the Department of Energy and Climate Change, which took over the liabilities of the British Coal Corporation.

Out of the eight, four proved their cases and will receive agreed compensation ranging from £4,500 to £119,310, while the claims of 166 others will now be examined as to their entitlement to damages.