Asbestos-related cancer ‘preventable’
A former electrician in New Zealand is advocating for better asbestos safety awareness after receiving a terminal mesothelioma diagnosis. He claims his illness was preventable and criticizes the lack of training and enforcement regarding asbestos handling in his industry.
Why it matters
It underscores the ongoing public health risks posed by legacy asbestos materials and the failure of workplace safety regulations to protect workers.
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Andrew and Cherie Winder are frustrated that Mr Winder's mesothelioma could have been easily prevented. PHOTO: GRANT GRIEVE A former Invercargill electrician is hoping to raise awareness and push for change after a terminal diagnosis of asbestos-related cancer.
Andrew Winder, 49, found out he had mesothelioma in June last year and said it had a deep impact on every aspect of his life.
"It’s changed my life completely — lost my job, family ... it’s affected everyone."
He is undergoing immunotherapy treatment but his diagnosis is terminal: his specialist told him he had 18 months with treatment, 16 without.
However, he marked a year of treatment last month and said things had been stable.
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