The HSE are launching a new initiative to raise the awareness of construction works to the risks arising from exposure to asbestos.
While this is not new, what is of interest is the statistics attached to the campaign and a rising number of companies being prosecuted for material breaches of safety around asbestos, this is a timely reminder of this issue.
The HSE are estimating that on average construction workers, including carpenters, decorators and painters could be exposed to asbestos more than 100 times per annum.
They also revealed that workers believe a range of myths about how workers can protect themselves which ranged from drinking a glass of water and keeping a window open will protect them from exposure to asbestos fibres.
Only a third of workers were aware of safe working practices when dealing with asbestos.
Currently some 20 people a week are dying as a direct result of exposure to asbestos.
In support of the campaign the HSE have arranged with Tradepoint stores to distribute asbestos safety kits to trades persons.
As with all safety issues there is a need for employers to ensure that staff are trained in asbestos awareness and at SAMS Ltd we are able to provide UKATA registered classroom and e learning based asbestos awareness courses ensuring that staff are given relevant and accessible information in order to protect themselves.
