James Hardies

James Hardies is by far the not only greedy company to ignore the human cost of the continued use of asbestos. James Hardies stands out more than most corps for their criminal negligence.

The James Hardie asbestos compensation scandal will not result in any criminal charges being brought, Commonwealth officials announced today.

The corporate watchdog, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, declared that in July 2007, it had sent briefs to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions suggesting criminal prosecution “in relation of certain people.”

According to ASIC, the DPP has now decided not to press charges.

In legal proceedings in the NSW Supreme Court last year, attorneys representing the former CEO, Peter Macdonald, disclosed that he had been made aware of prospective criminal charges.

Despite recommending criminal probes, the NSW Special Commission of Inquiry investigating James Hardie’s $1.5 billion underfunding of a trust to recompense persons with asbestos ailments left it up to the prosecutors to choose the targets.

A COMPANY BUILT ON DECEIT AND DECEPTION

The Rise of James Hardie & Co.

In the late 19th century, James Hardie, a Scottish entrepreneur, founded James Hardie & Co. Ltd. The company started as a small importer of roofing materials in Melbourne, Australia. Over the years, it expanded its product line to include asbestos-containing materials, which would become the company’s bread and butter. By the mid-20th century, James Hardie & Co. had grown into a global giant, with operations spanning across Australia, the United States, and Europe.

**The Deadly Secret: Asbestos and its Health Risks**

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral fiber, was hailed for its insulating properties and versatility. However, it was also a ticking time bomb, harboring deadly health risks. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other respiratory diseases. The medical community knew about the dangers of asbestos as early as the 1930s, but James Hardie & Co. chose to ignore the risks, putting profits over people.

Concealment and Deception

Internal company documents and testimony from former employees reveal a shocking pattern of deception and concealment. James Hardie & Co. was aware of the health risks associated with asbestos but deliberately misled workers, customers, and regulatory bodies about the dangers. The company’s own medical advisors warned about the hazards of asbestos, but their concerns were dismissed. In a chilling memo from 1969, a company executive wrote, “If you have experienced any difficulties in the past… due to the health aspects of asbestos, you will understand the need for discretion.”

The Human Cost

Thousands of workers, including miners, factory workers, and construction laborers, were exposed to asbestos-containing products manufactured by James Hardie & Co. Many of these workers have since developed asbestos-related diseases, with devastating consequences for them and their families. The human cost of James Hardie’s deception is staggering, with estimates suggesting that up to 4,000 Australians alone have died from asbestos-related diseases.

Legal Battles and Compensation Schemes

In the 1980s, the first asbestos-related lawsuits were filed against James Hardie & Co. The company initially denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the health risks associated with asbestos were unknown at the time. However, as the evidence mounted, James Hardie & Co. was forced to establish compensation schemes for victims. In 2001, the company set up the Medical Research and Compensation Foundation, but critics argued that the fund was inadequate and that the company was attempting to limit its liabilities.

The Legacy of Deceit

Today, James Hardie & Co. is a shadow of its former self, its reputation tarnished by the revelations of its dark past. The company has attempted to rebrand itself as a responsible corporate citizen, but the scars of its deceit run deep. The story of James Hardie & Co. serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of corporate greed and the importance of transparency and accountability.

Timeline of Deceit

* 1885: James Hardie & Co. founded in Melbourne, Australia
* 1930s: Medical community begins to report health risks associated with asbestos
* 1960s: James Hardie & Co. becomes aware of asbestos health risks, but conceals information
* 1980s: First asbestos-related lawsuits filed against James Hardie & Co.
* 2001: Company sets up Medical Research and Compensation Foundation
* 2010s: James Hardie & Co. attempts to rebrand itself as a responsible corporate citizen

CONCLUSION

The story of James Hardie & Co. is a stark reminder that corporations must prioritize human life and safety above profits. The deceit and deception perpetrated by James Hardie & Co. have had far-reaching consequences, affecting thousands of families around the world. As we look to the future, it is crucial that corporations learn from the mistakes of the past and prioritize transparency, accountability, and social responsibility.