In August 2022, Kathryn Murphy from Llandeilo was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. She was 72 years old at the time.
Kathryn began her employment with the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth as a cataloguing assistant in 1981. Her role involved summarising books and materials on reference cards as part of the library’s card catalogue system, which required her to move around different areas of the library, retrieving and returning books as needed.
During this time, Kathryn recalled frequently walking past areas where plastic sheeting had been hung up. Behind these sheets, workers in protective suits were removing asbestos.
However, the sheeting was not sealed properly; it hung loosely and flapped as people moved past. Workers entered and exited freely, and as a result, the library became an increasingly dusty environment. Staff were aware that asbestos removal was taking place but were told to continue working as usual.
Between 1983 and 1987, Kathryn encountered further asbestos exposure while working regularly in the bookstack area. During this time, electricians and computer technicians carried out work to install new equipment, power outlets, and lighting.
This work disturbed asbestos-containing materials. The electricians drilled into ceiling panels that contained asbestos to remove and replace fluorescent lights, and they also worked on panelling that boxed in radiators and pipework, which was likely to contain asbestos.
Asbestos dust from their work settled on Kathryn’s desk and on cloths covering books. Some of the dust was swept up by the workers, but Kathryn herself had to remove the dust from her desk with a cloth.
Despite the well-documented dangers of asbestos exposure, Kathryn was not provided with any protection, warnings, or instructions on how to minimise inhalation of asbestos dust.
Kathryn had a long and successful career at the library, later becoming Head of Systems and eventually Head of Acquisitions and Systems before retiring. However, the impact of her exposure to asbestos only became apparent decades later when she was diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Following the diagnosis, she instructed asbestos lawyers at Thompsons Solicitors to investigate the circumstances of her exposure during her time working for the National Library of Wales, and whether more could have been done to protect her.
Her legal team alleged that the library knew or ought to have known about the risks, yet it did nothing to safeguard Kathryn and other employees from this life-threatening hazard.
Tragically, Kathryn passed away from mesothelioma on 16th March 2024. Just a week before her death, her legal case against the National Library of Wales was settled. Thanks to the work of her legal team at Thompsons Solicitors, Kathryn’s family now feels that some measure of justice has been achieved.
Kathryn’s family hopes that her case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of asbestos and the importance of employers taking responsibility for protecting their workers. They say that no one should have to suffer the devastating consequences of asbestos exposure simply for doing their job.
Speaking of their loss Seren Hughes, Katheryn’s daughter, said: “We hope that we can raise awareness of the true human cost of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma by sharing our family’s experience.
“We lost our treasured mum, grandma and great grandma, with whom we should have had many, many more years. We believe that negligence in her workplace meant we lost those years to this cruel illness - years we had expected to spend in parks and cafes, on dog walks and on the beach, at weddings and holding new babies.
“Changes must be made to protect others from this devastating and preventable illness. People should be protected at work, they should know if they may have been exposed.
“People deserve earlier diagnosis, access to treatment, and justice for those exposed and their families.”
Amanda Jones, Head of Asbestos at Thompsons Solicitors, added: “Kathryn’s story is a tragic example of the long-term consequences of asbestos exposure. It is appalling that workers were knowingly exposed to this deadly substance without proper protection.
“While no amount of compensation can bring Kathryn back, securing justice for her family sends a clear message that employers can be held accountable for their negligence.
“At Thompsons, we remain committed to fighting for those affected by asbestos-related diseases, ensuring they and their families receive the justice and financial security they deserve.”