THE widow of a former industrial worker has called for her husband’s ex-colleagues to come forward with information about their working conditions after his death from a lung condition.

Charles Earley died in April 2010 at the age of 69 after he contracted the lung infection tuberculosis caused by exposure to silica dust while working at the BSA Foundry Ltd metal castings factory in Faverdale, Darlington, between 1979 and 1992.

His wife Joan, from Spennymoor, County Durham, is looking for anyone who worked at the foundry, then owned by engineering company Manganese Bronze, who has information on its working conditions or the presence of silica dust.

Emma Crowther, an industrial illness expert with solicitors Irwin Mitchell, who is working with Mrs Earley, said: “We are appealing for information from anyone who worked at the BSA Foundry as they may be able to provide vital information so that we can help get Joan justice for her husband.

“If Charles’ employers had done more to protect him from the dangers of silica dust, or warned him about the detrimental affect it could have on his health, then his death could have been prevented.”

Mr Earley worked at the factory between 1979 and 1998 as a cutter and janitor, cutting the metal castings produced in the foundry.

Mrs Earley said: “It made me so angry to think that it all could have been avoided if the foundry had just taken some basic precautions.

“Charles worked incredibly hard at the foundry so it’s upsetting to know his job cost him his life. Nothing we do can bring him back, but I just hope that with the help of his ex-work mates we can secure some justice in his name.”

Anyone with information about the BSA Foundry Ltd between 1979 and 1992 should contact Ms Crowther at Irwin Mitchell on 0191-279-0104 or email Emma.Crowther@IrwinMitchell.com