GMB Response To Redfern
Tuesday 16th November
2010
GMB RESPONSE TO REDFERN
INQUIRY INTO PRACTICES IN SELLAFIELD POST MORTEMS
GMB understands that this has
been an extremely distressing period for the families involved in
this ordeal and shares their concerns
GMB, the major trade union in the
nuclear industry, responded to the Redfern Inquiry published today
into the taking of tissue samples without consent from deceased
employees who worked at Sellafield. GMB welcomed the setting up of
the inquiry in 2007.
Steve Gibbons, GMB Regional Officer
responsible for GMB members at Sellafield, said "40 years
ago GMB was aware that members were dying from cancer, in some
cases, prematurely, with the mortality rate way above national
average. GMB suspected this was due to exposure to radiation
and were determined to establish the link.
GMB instructed lawyers to
pursue this objective. This involved a complex case with the
involvement of medical experts. GMB depended on the lawyers and
other professionals involved to observe the highest possible
ethical standards.
GMB was seeking justice and
compensation for workers who were suffering ill health and dying
from the result of exposure to radiation and also seeking better
safety standards.
This campaign led to an agreed
compensation scheme, which provided a level of financial support
for victims and their families. The campaign also led to much
improved safety standards in the industry. Standards for radiation
exposure limits have been cut from the then 120 millisieverts (mSv)
to 15 millisieverts (mSv) today.
GMB understands that this has
been an extremely distressing period for the families involved in
this ordeal and shares their concerns.
GMB believe that we have
played our part in trying to eradicate, completely, levels of
radiation exposure in order that workers are protected from
industrial disease."
End
Contact: Steve
Gibbons Regional Officer 07870 176 737 or Gary Smith GMB National
Secretary 07710 618909 Chris Jukes Regional Press Officer 07870 176
733.