Tata Steel is going to be more socially responsible in the cases of asbestos victims who were employed by the company, de Volkskrant writes Friday. Recently rejected claims are reviewed and current cases must be completed within six months.

As a result, former employees would no longer get involved in lengthy procedures. The decision of Tata Steel follows after discussions with the Asbestos Victims Institute (IAS). A spokesperson for Tata Steel speaks of a “more human approach”.

De Volkskrant wrote in May that the steel manufacturer was delaying asbestos claims unnecessarily. On average, a case would take more than 308 working days. The company itself contradicted the criticism and called its own policy “generous and careful”.

Tata Steel recently arranged with families of two former employees of the company. They receive compensation of € 60,000 and “highly appreciate” the company’s new attitude.

Since 1995, around 120 claims have been filed by asbestos victims who have worked at Tata Steel, writes the daily.

Steel producer previously discredited by graphite rains near Wijk aan Zee. The company was also discredited this year due to the many graphite rains near Wijk aan Zee. According to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) there are “unwanted” quantities of lead, manganese and vanadium in it.

The steel producer took more than 25 measures to reduce the inconvenience for local residents. The company will not distribute graphite rains from April 2020, because the process whereby these may be released will take place in a new hall.