People who once worked at shipbuilding sites and suffered health damage from inhaling asbestos, claiming that it is unfair that they are not covered by the relief system for asbestos damage at construction sites, and demand compensation from the government. I filed a lawsuit requesting it in Osaka and Hokkaido at the same time.
The lawsuit filed at the Osaka District Court was filed by 10 former workers and bereaved family members who were engaged in the construction of electrical equipment and piping on board ships at shipbuilding companies from 1953 to 2003. One member's family filed a lawsuit.
Regarding asbestos damage, following the ruling of the Supreme Court two years ago, which recognized the responsibility of the government, a relief system was established to provide benefits for construction sites, but the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare does not apply to shipbuilding sites. and
The plaintiff's former workers were recognized as workers' compensation because they inhaled asbestos and developed lung cancer and mesothelioma. Claiming that it is unfair not to do so, the government is asking for compensation of more than 10 million yen per person.
According to the plaintiff's lawyers, the number of workers certified as workers' compensation for health damage caused by asbestos at shipbuilding sites was more than 1,800 nationwide by the end of last fiscal year, the second largest number after construction sites.
Attorney Akio Muramatsu, head of the Osaka Asbestos Defense Team, said, "Considering the actual situation at the shipbuilding site, it should be covered as a matter of course, and we would like to resolve it as soon as possible."
Bereaved family "I want to clarify the responsibility of the country in the trial"
One of the plaintiffs, a man from Kyoto Prefecture who worked as a shipbuilding plumber for about 27 years from 1960, died of malignant pleural mesothelioma two years ago at the age of 79.
The man's 75-year-old wife said, "My husband lost his life after battling a terrible and painful illness, and the family was keenly aware of the dangers of asbestos. If only the government had widely informed the dangers of using asbestos. My husband did not do such a dangerous job.I was stunned to hear that the government would not accept responsibility for the victims of the shipbuilding industry, but I would like to clarify the government's responsibility in court." .
Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare "We will respond appropriately in cooperation with related ministries and agencies"
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare commented, ``We have not received the complaint and will refrain from commenting.As soon as the complaint arrives, we will confirm the details, cooperate with the relevant ministries and agencies, and respond appropriately.''