The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently launched a public consultation to strengthen the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, aiming to further protect workers and building users from asbestos exposure. The consultation, which opened at the start of November 2025, is seeking stakeholder views on three key proposals to
Marine Fitter’s Family Shares Heartfelt Plea for Help After Dad Dies Following Asbestosis Battle
May 20, 2025
Derek Grundy, from Grimsby, was 80 when he died from asbestosis, his postmortem has revealed.
The family of a beloved Grimsby man, who used to work as a marine fitter at the docks in the Lincolnshire town, are desperately searching for answers following his death.
Derek Grundy was 80 years old when he passed away from asbestosis in December 2022. Now, his family are calling for former colleagues to come forward and shed light as to where he may have been exposed to the deadly fibres.
The former engine and boiler room worker worked at Grimsby Docks and onboard trawlers for a number of companies during the years of 1960-1970.
Pictured Right: Derek Grundy as a young man. Image: Martin Grundy
Speaking about the devastating loss of his father, Derek’s son, Martin, said: “It is known that my late father worked in engine and boiler rooms on trawlers and on the docks in his early career, and after, asbestos was found in his lungs at postmortem.
“We are reaching out to any former work colleagues who may be able to shed light on where he was exposed to asbestos in his early career.”
The Dangers of Asbestos
Before being banned in its entirety back in 1999, asbestos was widely used in a number of industries.
Asbestos was a popular material due to its durability and heat-resistant properties; however, due to health and safety concerns, the material was later prohibited from being used.
The fibres that asbestos produces can be deadly when inhaled, and the substance has been linked to diseases such as:
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestos-related lung cancer
Asbestos can lie dormant in the lungs for a long period after being inhaled, meaning new cases of asbestosis and mesothelioma are still being diagnosed today.
Pictured Left. Derek was 80 when he passed away. Image: Martin Grundy
How You Can Help Derek’s Family:
Derek’s family have sought help from asbestos disease solicitor James Burrell, a partner with Bridge McFarland LLP solicitors, a law firm that has offices in East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
James Burrell commented:
“It is thought that the late Mr Grundy may have into contact with asbestos in his early career whilst working as a Marine fitter.
It is well known that asbestos exposure was relatively high in this line of work in the 1960’s and 1970’s with asbestos being used as a form of insulation and being used to lag pipework in boiler and engine rooms.
“We are aware that Mr Grundy worked for Consolidated Fisheries Limited, Ross Group (Engineers) Limited and Humber Graving Dock Limited in his early career.”
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The family hopes that this appeal will encourage Derek’s former work colleagues to contact them to help shed light on the working conditions during the period of time in question.
Visit Bridge McFarland LLP at Suite 1, Marina Court, Castle Street, Hull, HU1 1TJ, or get in touch via phone 01482 320620 or email enquiries@bmcf.co.uk
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