health and safety news
Asbestos - the Hidden Killer
Asbestos related diseases account for around 4000 deaths a year, the biggest single cause of work-related deaths in Great Britain.
What is absestos?
Asbestos was used extensively as a building material in the UK from the 1950s through to the mid-1980s. It is a multi-purpose building material and is ideal as a fireproofing and insulation material. However any type of building built or refurbished up to 2000 including houses, factories, offices, schools, hospitals etc, could still contain asbestos.
If a person inhales asbestos fibres they can become lodged in the tissue of the chest and the body’s natural defences may not be able to easily break them down. This can lead to lung diseases, particularly if the person is repeatedly exposed to fibres over a number of years.
Awareness campaign
Following the success of their ‘Hidden Killer’ awareness campaign last year, the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) is running a similar campaign starting on 2 November 2009.
The campaign aims to help tradesmen and maintenance workers understand when they might be working with asbestos and what they can do to protect themselves.
The campaign will run for four weeks and will include national radio and press advertising.
Visit the ‘Hidden Killer’ section of HSE’s website for more details.
If you would like further assistance with your asbestos management arrangements or would like to obtain a no obligation quote for an asbestos survey, our dedicated team of UK based experts are on hand to discuss your needs. Contact Ecclesiastical Risk Services on 0845 602 4065 or email ers.ltd@ecclesiastical.com
