FORMER North-East steelworkers who have suffered serious health problems through exposure to toxic gases and chemicals are set to launch a landmark legal bid for compensation.

The law firm which won payouts for 19 children born with deformities after their mothers were exposed to toxic waste from the former steelworks site in Corby, Northamptionshire, is putting together a new case for steelmen who worked at the Consett Steel Works, Derwenthaugh Coke Works and Teesside Steel Works.

Collins solicitors says it has identified "specific issues" in terms of workers’ health as well as wider problems originating from the steel and coke works across the North-East.

The conditions of particular concern are lung cancer and other respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and skin cancer.

They will join several hundred other steelworkers - and families of men who have already died - seeking compensation for health problems.

Last night families of those who have died from industrial diseases described the action as ‘long overdue’.

Collins claims the risks of working with dust, heavy metals and other chemicals were well known by the 1950s and steel employers failed in their duty of care.

The firm is applying for a group litigation order on behalf of its claimants later this year. The majority worked at the Ravenscraig and Corby Steelworks but now lawyers are expanding the action to include other steelworkers and coke-oven workers from the North-East.

The region is being seen as a priority due its industrial history as a major steel and coke producer.

Danielle Holliday, a partner at Collins Solicitors, said: “We have brought together over 400 people affected by serious ill-health following years working at different steelworks.

“We want to make sure that those similarly affected in the North-East have the same opportunity to join this sizeable group litigation.

“Over the course of our research into the 400 workers and their families we already represent, it has come to light that the industry knew that it was exposing metal workers to air pollution during the production of steel.”

Ms Holliday said the historic process involved in coke production has been shown to be a significant issue for the health of workers, from the movement of coal through to work on the coke oven batteries themselves.

In many cases the firm is working with the families of those who have died as a result of exposure to chemicals and other pollutants, including heavy metals and a large number of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons including but not limited to: benzo(a)pyrene, benzanthracene, chrysene, phenanthrene, benzene, toluene, and xylene, many of which can cause cells to turn cancerous.

Ms Holliday said: “It is also clear that little was done to educate the workers and protect them from inhaling dangerous substances.

“We feel we have a strong case to make. With new information now available, plus a change in the law, the appetite seems to be there from the former workers and their families.”

The steelworks at Consett closed in 1980, but the town’s MP Pat Glass said people were still suffering as a result of their time at The Company.

She said: “Many of my constituents have been left with severe health and life restricting problems as a result of working in heavy industries, in the coal mines and steel works.

“At times almost every family in Consett had at least one member working at the Consett Steel works and ‘the works’ while it gave jobs and dignity to the town, took a heavy long term toll in terms of people’s health.

“I am pleased that this is finally being recognised and am very happy to help individuals or groups in this action.”

As British Steel no longer exists, the action is expected to be taken again Tata Steel, which took over the Teesside site from Corus in 2007.

Redcar MP Ian Swales said: “I am pleased to see that a firm of solicitors will be available to help those who may have suffered through their former employment in the steel industry.

“While today's employers have a high focus on health and safety issues this has not always been the case in the past.

“I will be contacting Collins to find out details of the scheme and also to ensure that their charges are not excessive as we saw with some North-East firms claiming on behalf of miners.”

Tata Steel was unavailable for comment when contacted by the Northern Echo.

Collins Solicitors plans to hold seminars in the North-East beginning later this month.

A spokesperson for the Community union, which represents the majority of steelworkers in the North-East, said: “As the union for steelworkers, we have decades of experience in pursuing claims on behalf of our members for industrial injuries or diseases.

“We will continue to stand up for current and former steelworkers.

“Before speaking to any solicitors, we would urge all coke ovens workers, who believe they may have a claim, and who are or were members of Community or our predecessor unions such as the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation (ISTC) to contact the union.”

Those wishing to attend the seminars or discuss the issues they are facing can contact Collins Solicitors on 01923-223-324 or email collins@collinslaw.co.uk