A FORMER power station manager died after being exposed to asbestos during his working life, an inquest heard.
Wilfred Swift, of Crosland Road, Oakes, started his career as an electrical fitter, later working his way up to becoming manager of a power station.
The Huddersfield inquest heard that throughout his career the 84-year-old was exposed to asbestos and protective clothing had not been available.
He began to feel unwell late last year and a biopsy confirmed that he was suffering from acute mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure.
Mr Swift was admitted into Kirkwood Hospice, Dalton, but his condition quickly deteriorated and he died there on November 27.
Coroner Roger Whittaker said a claim had been settled on Mr Swift’s behalf, just before he died.
Mr Whittaker recorded that Mr Swift died as a result of an industrial disease.
He said: “Having viewed Mr Swift’s work history and the fact that a claim was settled, there is a direct link to his exposure to asbestos in the workplace and his cause of death.
“Throughout his employment no protective clothing had been made available.”
