Menu
14/02/2002
Exposure to asbestos causes 5,000 deaths a year
The TUC has launched 'Asbestos: no hiding place' a new guide for workplace union safety representatives on how to help prevent exposure to asbestos, based on forthcoming Regulations from the Health and Safety Commission.
The move has bee prompted by an analysis of official figures by the TUC, which indicated that at least 5,000 people died in 2001 as a result of asbestos-related diseases. This figure is represents an increase of two thirds - up from 3,000 a decade ago.
In the guide, the TUC warns that the death toll will continue to rise if measures are not taken now to control asbestos exposure in British buildings.
TUC General Secretary John Monks said: "Asbestos was the ‘fatal fibre’ for most of the twentieth century, and its days as the ‘miracle mineral’ are long gone. But the death toll is continuing to rise, and unless we take steps now to stop more people being exposed to asbestos, the new century will see a modern plague of asbestos diseases. Asbestos is still a deadly dust, and safety reps need to know what they can do to help protect their work-mates."
The importation, sale and new use of asbestos was finally banned in Britain and across Europe in 1999, although some types of asbestos had been banned much earlier.
According to John Monks there are still vast amounts of asbestos in many buildings which means that workers involved in repair, renovation and removal will be at risk for a generation. As will, to a lesser extent, the people who work, visit or live in those buildings.
The new HSC Regulations, due out in the summer will impose new duties on employers and building owners, and the European Union is discussing a Directive which will drastically reduce the permitted exposure levels for people working with asbestos.
(AMcE)
The move has bee prompted by an analysis of official figures by the TUC, which indicated that at least 5,000 people died in 2001 as a result of asbestos-related diseases. This figure is represents an increase of two thirds - up from 3,000 a decade ago.
In the guide, the TUC warns that the death toll will continue to rise if measures are not taken now to control asbestos exposure in British buildings.
TUC General Secretary John Monks said: "Asbestos was the ‘fatal fibre’ for most of the twentieth century, and its days as the ‘miracle mineral’ are long gone. But the death toll is continuing to rise, and unless we take steps now to stop more people being exposed to asbestos, the new century will see a modern plague of asbestos diseases. Asbestos is still a deadly dust, and safety reps need to know what they can do to help protect their work-mates."
The importation, sale and new use of asbestos was finally banned in Britain and across Europe in 1999, although some types of asbestos had been banned much earlier.
According to John Monks there are still vast amounts of asbestos in many buildings which means that workers involved in repair, renovation and removal will be at risk for a generation. As will, to a lesser extent, the people who work, visit or live in those buildings.
The new HSC Regulations, due out in the summer will impose new duties on employers and building owners, and the European Union is discussing a Directive which will drastically reduce the permitted exposure levels for people working with asbestos.
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 February 2015
Purepipe To Invest £250,000 And Create Six New Jobs
Belfast-based Purepipe is investing £250,000 and creating six new jobs as part of plans to boost sales in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Invest Northern Ireland has offered the company £45,000 towards its expansion which involves investing in new state-of-the-art specialised pipe manufacturing equipment needed to target new business.
Purepipe To Invest £250,000 And Create Six New Jobs
Belfast-based Purepipe is investing £250,000 and creating six new jobs as part of plans to boost sales in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Invest Northern Ireland has offered the company £45,000 towards its expansion which involves investing in new state-of-the-art specialised pipe manufacturing equipment needed to target new business.
21 January 2002
Occupational asthma costs UK economy ‘billions’
A new report from the TUC has revealed that employers are losing billions of pounds in lost staff, lower productivity and high compensation payouts because they are failing to remove asthma-causing substances from the workplace.
Occupational asthma costs UK economy ‘billions’
A new report from the TUC has revealed that employers are losing billions of pounds in lost staff, lower productivity and high compensation payouts because they are failing to remove asthma-causing substances from the workplace.
02 November 2004
Asbestos health claims could top £20bn, says study
The total cost of claims from people suffering asbestos-related diseases could top £20 billion, according to the latest figures. Publishing new research, the group said it expected the insurance industry to face up to £4 billion to £10 billion in costs.
Asbestos health claims could top £20bn, says study
The total cost of claims from people suffering asbestos-related diseases could top £20 billion, according to the latest figures. Publishing new research, the group said it expected the insurance industry to face up to £4 billion to £10 billion in costs.
28 November 2001
Asbestos scheme aims to ‘keep killer at bay’
With an estimated 3,000 people dying each year from asbestos-related diseases, the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive, has developed a new scheme designed to accredit competent inspection bodies to safeguard the accuracy of asbestos surveys.
Asbestos scheme aims to ‘keep killer at bay’
With an estimated 3,000 people dying each year from asbestos-related diseases, the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive, has developed a new scheme designed to accredit competent inspection bodies to safeguard the accuracy of asbestos surveys.
04 October 2001
B&Q confirm 370 jobs in new retail expansion
DIY superstore B&Q chain has confirmed that it is to create over 350 jobs in the creation of two new retail warehouses in Craigavon and Newtownabbey.
B&Q confirm 370 jobs in new retail expansion
DIY superstore B&Q chain has confirmed that it is to create over 350 jobs in the creation of two new retail warehouses in Craigavon and Newtownabbey.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
