Friedhelm's struggle: recognition of his occupational disease after decades

Friedhelm's struggle: recognition of his occupational disease after decades

The case of a former VW employee has caused a stir in the past few weeks. Friedhelm worked for almost thirty years in the foundry of the Volkswagen plant in Kassel. His job was associated with a lot of physical stress, and in the 1970s and 1980s it happened that he was insufficiently informed about the dangers that threatened him at his job. Almost thirty years after his entry at VW, fate confronted him with a cancer diagnosis that changed his life forever.

He was diagnosed with lung cancer, and although he fought for his health, he had to give up his job. The path to his diagnosis was rocky, but the problem was not just his health. Friedhelm also fought for the recognition of his illness as a professional disease. Unfortunately, he died in 2010 before this struggle could lead to a positive end for him. However, his wife did not give up and continued to work for the rights of her late husband, which should ultimately lead to a positive judgment.

Cancer diagnosis and its origin

The circumstances that led to Friedhelm's serious illness are worrying. When working in the foundry, he was equipped with heat -resistant gloves, which contained asbestos fibers. These fibers are known for causing health risks, and in 2003 a tumor was actually found in its left lung lobe. Friedhelm and his wife were convinced that his profession was the trigger for this serious illness. The medical report seemed to confirm this assumption.

To clarify whether his illness was an occupational disease, Friedhelm made an application to the professional association. The reason was clear: Without official recognition, they rely on an early age, which significantly restricted their financial situation. However, the clients of the professional association did not recognize a clear connection between the foundry work and its state of health, which led to extensive legal disputes.

A long struggle for justice

The authority opposed the recognition of Friedhelm's disease by pointing out a lack of evidence. It was particularly striking that the tumor tissue, which had been removed, no longer existed because it was accidentally disposed of instead of being sent to the laboratory for further analysis. As a result, it was hardly possible to legally prove the connection between work and the illness, which impaired Friedhelm's access to the necessary services.

The process stretched over several years and brought the family into an emotional roller coaster. Friedhelm died in 2010, two years later his widow was still busy with the legal disputes. Nevertheless, she fought tirelessly and continued to campaign for the recognition of her late husband's disease. It took until 2024 to finally turn into a turn for the family.

A new perspective and unexpected turn

New investigations that the lawyer commissioned finally led to the Friedhelm's cancer as a professional accident. This turn also happened because the disease was included in the register for professional diseases in 2009, which allowed the previous assessments to be re -assessed. VW itself has not made any specific comment on this case to the media, but it is emphasized that occupational safety is a top priority and that working conditions are different today.

Friedhelm's widow commented on her personal journey and wanted to encourage other people. She emphasized how important it is to fight for her own right without being intimidated by setbacks. Their struggle is proof that justice can be achieved for both those affected and for the relatives and that it is worthwhile to stand up for your own well -being.

The story of Friedhelm raises fundamental questions about the responsibility of companies towards their employees. In the automotive industry, and especially among large manufacturers such as Volkswagen, dealing with health and safety of the employees is of central importance. This is not only regulated by legal regulations, but also by ethical considerations that shape corporate culture.

Working conditions in comparison

A comparison of the working conditions at that time in the VW foundry with today's shows considerable progress in relation to occupational safety measures. In the 1970s and 80s, many standards and standards that apply to the protection of employees were not yet in force. The introduction of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance in Germany in 1990 was a turning point, since this provision obliges employers to regulate the handling of dangerous substances, including asbestos, and to take appropriate protective measures.

The VW foundry has made extensive changes since then to ensure the safety of the employees. Today, employees are trained in relation to safe labor practices, and modern safety equipment is used to minimize the risk of diseases in the workplace. The focus is now on risk assessment, preventive measures and the protection of employees.

Legal situation and support for those affected

The legal aspects of the recognition of occupational diseases are complex and often shaped by lengthy processes. In Germany, the Social Code (SGB VII) defines the framework conditions under which diseases can be recognized as occupational diseases. Certain criteria must be met, which examine the health effects and their connection with the professional activity in detail. This can be a stressful situation for both those affected and their relatives.