The Supreme Court has ruled for the first time ever that compensation for health issues related to asbestos poisoning is the responsibility of the Japanese government In the landmark ruling, the top court ruled that the state is liable for all damages related to asbestos-related health issues incurred by construction workers who were not provided with ample ventilation while on the job. The ruling follows in the wake of a class action lawsuit filed by two parties consisting of 89 former construction workers and plant employees who worked with asbestos and suffered from lung cancer and other serious health issues after inhaling asbestos particles, TBS reported. On Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled that due to the state’s negligence in mandating the establishment of proper ventilation systems and providing proper protective gear for the employees, the central government must pay approximately 330 million yen in damages to former employees and their families. The ruling is expected to have a great effect on similar class action lawsuits pending.