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Legacy of Industrial Disease from local Coking Plant
The Avenue Coking Plant, based in Wingerworth, North East Derbyshire, is thought to have been one of the most dangerous places to work. Around 800 men at any one time were exposed to dangerous and carcinogenic chemicals leaving a deadly legacy of industrial disease.
Trade Union Safety Team (TRUST), is undertaking research to determine the range and incidence of ill-health amongst the former workforce and is looking for anyone who worked at the Avenue Coking Plant to take part.
The Avenue Coking Plant, operational from 1952 – 1992, spread over 240 acres. When operating at full capacity the coking plant carbonised 2,175 tons of coal per day to make smokeless fuel, sulphuric acid, ammonium sulphate, crude benzole and tar. In the process employees were exposed to carcinogens and dangerous chemicals including benzene, toluene, coal tar and pitch, acids, heavy metals and asbestos.
Shay Boyle, TRUST Development Worker, stated, “The research will help us to understand more about the conditions in which the men worked and identify anyone who may be eligible for benefits or civil compensation.”
TRUST has already discovered that former workers are suffering from a range of ill-health problems including kidney, skin and bladder cancers as well breathing difficulties. Shay continued, “A number of interviewees have stated friends and colleagues have died of cancers and mysterious illnesses that Doctors could not identify".
If you or your friends and colleagues worked at the Avenue Coking Plant and wish to be involved with the research project, please contact Shay Boyle at TRUST
click here for Avenue poem
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