Asbestos
Asbestos - the Hidden Killer
Recent studies have shown that there is an increasing number of people who are being diagnosed with asbestos related disease among the building maintenance and telecommunications indutries. The total per year by 2016 is expected to be around 12,000 - 15,000.
Asbestos and asbestos containing materials (ACM's) could be found in any building constructed, altered or refurbished before 2000 when asbestos was banned.
Presently 6 electricians, 3 plumbers and 20 other building related workers die every week.
Mesothelioma is one type of lung cancer caused by asbestos which may take many years to develop but once diagnosed it can lead to rapid deterioration and death.
Research shows that one of the main factors is that these workers and their employers are not as aware as they should be of the dangers.They see the hazard as not being a significant issue for them,have difficulty in recognising and then identifying ACM's, lack proper knowledge on the effective precautions and are not prepared to seek the answers out for themselves.
The HSE's website on asbestos has more information and is accessible to all. Guidance is available to help business, managers and workers, allowing them to become better informed to make effective changes an identify better work practices with the aim of reducing the number of deaths not just from mesothelioma, but all the other diseases that are associated with asbestos.
