Some events (even when you are at the right place at the right time) are difficult to photograph because visually they are not very exiting of different. It doesn’t help when the issues involved are complex so that it is not easy to decide on a point of view to take.
The ‘Justice for Asbestos Victims‘ rally was organised by trade unions representing people who had worked with asbestos. As we all know, asbestos is dangerous stuff, exposure to it killing many workers, and it is also clear that many employers have been negligent and failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent people working for them being exposed to its dangers.
The demonstration was over a decision by the Law Lords that compensation should not be awarded for pleural plaques, a form of irreversible lung damage caused by exposure to asbestos, because in themselves these do not normally materially affect people’s physical health. People with them are however likely to develop more serious, often fatal conditions – for which damages are awarded. I think the employers should be liable for their negligence in exposing workers and that the pleural plaques provide clear evidence that this has occurred.
Several other photographers present were working for the unions concerned who would probably be happy with some fairly tedious group pictures showing workers and MPs and a few banners – and they proceeded to set these up. It all helps to make a living, but I wanted to find something more, and don’t really think I managed it. The picture I took at the International Workers Memorial Day march in April 2006 was considerably stronger – but then its message was clearer too.
Asbestos kills
