Asbestos in Pozzuoli, INPS ordered to recognize contributory benefits to a worker

Pozzuoli – A ruling by the labor judge of the Naples Tribunal has marked an important victory for a former metalworker from Pozzuoli, Domenico Di Fraia, condemning INPS to recognize him the contributory benefits provided for exposure to asbestos. The National Asbestos Observatory (ONA) reported the news.

Domenico Di Fraia, 70 years old, resident in Monterusciello, had worked for over twelve years, between 1976 and 1988, as a welder in the Gecom spa plant in Pozzuoli. According to the findings, the work environment was saturated with asbestos fibers, without adequate safety measures or individual protection.

The situation was further aggravated by the presence of fans that favored the dispersion of toxic dust in the sheds.

In 2020, following the onset of severe respiratory symptoms, the former worker was diagnosed with asbestos-related pathologies, including bilateral pleural thickening, pleural plaques and lymph node swelling.

Despite the INAIL certification attesting to his professional exposure to asbestos in the period between 1 July 1976 and 31 December 1987, INPS had initially rejected his request for contribution accreditation.

At this point, Domenico Di Fraia turned to the National Asbestos Observatory, chaired by Ezio Bonanni, which promptly initiated a legal appeal. The legal action led to a rapid ruling by the Court of Naples, which recognized the former worker's reasons, ordering INPS to reassess his contribution position in light of his exposure to asbestos.

“Justice has arrived quickly thanks to immediate action,” commented attorney Ezio Bonanni, president of ONA. “This ruling shows how essential it is to immediately appeal for a rejection, because many workers instead find themselves forced to go through long legal processes to obtain what is their right.”

The case of Domenico Di Fraia represents an important precedent in the battle for the recognition of the rights of workers exposed to asbestos and underlines the importance of timely legal action in the face of denial by social security institutions.

The ruling of the Court of Naples restores dignity to a worker who paid a high price for his professional activity in an unhealthy environment.