New warnings about the danger of asbestos

A new campaign targeting South West tradesmen is warning about the dangers of asbestos.

Every week across the UK, 20 tradesmen die from asbestos related diseases and the numbers are on the rise.

In the South West, 2,437 tradesmen have died between 1981 and 2005 from mesothelioma, a cancer caused by breathing the fibres.

Plumbers, joiners and electricians are most at risk as these workers are more likely to disturb or damage the substance.

The Health and Safety Executive is launching a new campaign ‘Asbestos: The hidden killer’ to emphasize the care needed to carry out important risk assessments if there is a danger asbestos may be disturbed.

Anyone working on a building that was built or refurbished before 2000 could be exposed to asbestos without knowing it. There are still 500,000 non-domestic buildings in the UK that contain asbestos so the threat is still a real one.

HSE SW Head of Construction, Andrew Kingscott said: “Asbestos is Britain’s biggest industrial killer. Contrary to what many people believe, the risks are not a thing of the past. Asbestos-related illnesses claim the lives of 4,000 people every year, more than die in road accidents.

“Research shows that many workers, particularly tradesmen think that since asbestos was banned many years ago they are not at risk, The reality is very different.

“Asbestos-related diseases can take hold decades after exposure, so it’s essential young tradesmen today are thinking about their health 20, 30 or 40 years from now.

“We want them to change the way they work so that they don’t put their lives at risk. The most simple, but important advice is, if you are not 100 per cent certain that there is no asbestos where you are working, then don’t start work. It is not worth the risk. Think of it as not just protecting yourself, but also protecting your family and loved ones from unnecessary heartache.

For more information, visit: www.hse.gov.uk/hiddenkiller