The Public Prosecution Service (OM) holds the company Eternit responsible for the deaths of three individuals and has decided to prosecute the company criminally. The case will be presented to the court. This case involves the prolonged and structural exposure of employees and third parties to asbestos fibers, ultimately with fatal consequences. According to the OM, the company acted in violation of its duty of care and knowingly exposed employees to serious health risks.
Asbestos Victims Committee
The criminal case arises from a complaint received by the OM at the end of 2019 from the Asbestos Victims Committee, a foundation advocating for people who have become ill due to asbestos exposure. Following this complaint, a criminal investigation was initiated. This investigation took several years, partly due to factual and legal complexities. It aimed to establish the role and responsibility of the (legal) persons involved with the company.
Fatal Victims
The OM accuses Eternit of intentionally exposing people to a dangerous working environment. This involves three individuals who have since passed away:
- Two former employees who worked at Eternit locations for many years and were exposed to asbestos fibers.
- The partner of one of these employees, who was exposed to asbestos at home through contaminated work clothing.
For the deaths of the two employees and the partner of one of them, the OM states that the company acted intentionally and is therefore criminally responsible for their deaths.
Great Responsibility with Hazardous Substances
The OM emphasizes that companies working with hazardous substances, such as asbestos, bear a heavy responsibility. They are legally required to protect the health of their employees and minimize risks. Asbestos fibers can penetrate deep into the lungs when inhaled and eventually lead to fatal diseases, such as pleural cancer (mesothelioma), peritoneal cancer, and asbestosis (dust lungs).
Given the seriousness of the facts and the conclusions from the investigation, the OM deems prosecution appropriate.