Tradespeople, including construction workers, carpenters and painters and decorators, could come into contact with deadly asbestos more than 100 times a year on average, according to a new survey commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). In addition, an average of 20 tradespeople die every week from asbestos related diseases.
The research, undertaken by Censuswide in September 2014, also found an alarming lack of awareness of the extent of asbestos use. More than half (53%) knew that asbestos could be in old buildings built before 1970, but apparently only 15% knew that it could still be found in buildings built up to the year 2000.
And although many of those surveyed could pinpoint some asbestos-containing materials, others were less aware, with only 19% recognising it could also be hidden in common fixtures such as toilet seats and cisterns.
The HSE has therefore launched a new safety campaign that encourages tradespeople to think about asbestos on every job so they are prepared to deal with the danger.
A key feature of the campaign is the creation of a new web app for phones, tablets and laptops that helps tradespeople easily identify where they could come into contact with the deadly material as they go about their day-to-day work and gives them tailored help on how to deal with the risks.
“The number dying every year from asbestos related-diseases is unacceptably high,” commented Mark Harper, Minister responsible for Health and Safety. “Despite being banned in the construction industry, asbestos exposure remains a very serious risk to tradespeople.”
“This safety campaign is about highlighting the risks and easy measures people can take to protect themselves,” he added. “We hope the safety kits and the web app will encourage people to be aware of the risks, think twice, and take precautions to stay safe.”
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