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(HSE) Region's construction companies challenged: 'is your workforce trained to be aware of asbestos?'

News from HSE.gov.uk
Construction is one of the country's biggest - and most dangerous - industries. There is a growing awareness of the risks involved and the need for site safety, yet many small construction firms and trades people know much less about one of the main risks to the health of their workers - asbestos.

From 5 - 29 May 2009, as part of the construction industry's Working Well Together campaign, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and its industry partners will be staging a number of training events aimed at tackling this problem by improving health and safety among small and micro businesses in South Yorkshire and the Humber region.

Says HSE Inspector Medani Close:

"Every week 20 tradesman die from asbestos related disease. Plumbers, electricians, joiners, heating and ventilation engineers are often most at risk, particularly when they are carrying out refurbishment work. HSE expects asbestos surveys to be carried out before work starts. Workers should be told where asbestos may be found. Asbestos awareness training should be given to employees who may be exposed to asbestos risks. This training helps employees to recognise asbestos and take the necessary steps to avoid exposure to it. "

Throughout the UK some 4000 people die each year of asbestos-related diseases, more than are killed in road traffic accidents, and between 1981 and 2005 532 people died of mesothelioma in South Yorkshire alone.

Research shows that trades people often know that asbestos is dangerous but just don't believe that they are personally at risk. Aimed at those who have not had asbestos training in the last year a series of training sessions being staged by South Yorkshire and Humber Working Well Together Group in Scunthorpe, Hull, Grimsby, Barnsley, Doncaster and Sheffield plan to remind workers that unless they take reasonable precautions asbestos could kill them too.

The practical, half-day sessions cost only £10.00 per person with training provided by asbestos specialist, Gary Morton of ATAS Ltd. To find out more contact Jan Foers of HSE on Tel: 07786 190398 and obtain a booking form.