Government and enforcement bodies must lessen asbestos risks

Commenting on a new survey from the British Lung Foundation, which found a shocking lack of knowledge about the dangers of asbestos amongst building workers, construction union UCATT, have set out a three-point plan, to make the industry safer.

The BLF survey found that only 12 % of construction workers knew asbestos could be fatal. In particular only 15% of carpenters had received formal training on what to do if they discovered asbestos. Construction workers are now the most at risk profession of contracting the fatal lung cancer mesothelioma.

Alan Ritchie, general secretary of UCATT, said: “The survey by the BLF demonstrates that most previous asbestos awareness campaigns have failed. There can be no half measures taken when asbestos is concerned. The message has to be don’t touch it asbestos kills. If you think there is asbestos where you are working stop work.”

UCATT believe that regulations must be changed so that there is a legal requirement that all workers receive a proper briefing about the dangers of asbestos before beginning all refurbishment projects. Such training must tell workers that they have the right to stop work if they believe asbestos is present and can refuse to work until it has been properly disposed.

Currently regulations state that all public buildings must be mapped for asbestos. UCATT believes that this is insufficient and that a programme of proactive removal of asbestos must be instigated in all public, private and domestic buildings.

UCATT is also highly disappointed with the Health and Safety Executive’s new asbestos awareness campaign. The HSE’s campaign, based on unpublished research, which they “do not have access”, is targeted at construction workers but has downplayed the dangers to carpenters. The BLF survey underlines the folly and the risks associated with this strategy as carpenters are the least well informed of all construction trades when awareness about asbestos dangers are examined.

Alan Ritchie, said: “The Government and the enforcement agencies must ensure that employers know that if any of their workers are exposed to asbestos, they will be prosecuted. A zero tolerance approach must be adopted.”

Over 2,000 people a year die from mesothelioma. Mesothelioma deaths are set to increase year on year until at least 2020, when up to 10,000 people could die of the disease.

This week UCATT launched a national postcard campaign to put pressure on the Government to overturn a recent Law Lords decision that victims of pleural plaques should no longer receive compensation. Pleural plaques are scarring of the lungs caused by heavy and long term exposure to asbestos. One in seven people diagnosed with pleural plaques will develop mesothelioma.