The Health and Safety Executive has recently launched their ‘Asbestos and You’ campaign.
Each year around five thousand people die from asbestos related illnesses. Sarah Albion HSE Chief Executive said ‘Asbestos exposure in Great Britain is still the single greatest cause of work related deaths’.
Asbestos can still be found in buildings constructed or refurbished before the year 2000. This means workers of all ages could still be exposed to asbestos fibres today. Concerns were raised that younger workers may be complacent that asbestos is something that only affects the older generations.
Therefore, this campaign focuses on the risk to millennials, gen Z workers and other young persons who work as plumbers, electricians and other trades working on the fabric of buildings who started their careers after the use of asbestos was banned in 1999.
Serious diseases from asbestos exposure can take a long time to develop, it can take 20 to 30 years for symptoms to appear. It is therefore crucial that all workers know how to recognise the dangers and protect themselves and those around them from being exposed to asbestos fibres. Remember asbestos is only dangerous if not maintained in a safe condition, or it is physically disturbed without the right measures in place to control asbestos fibres.
For more information on this campaign and your asbestos responsibilities please contact your Howarths Health and Safety Advisor on 01274 864 999.
