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New HSE teaching materials for young apprentices on asbestos dangers
A widow, whose husband died after being exposed to asbestos fibres, is backing a new training package which aims to save the lives of young construction apprentices. Around 4,000 people die from asbestos-related diseases every year in GB.
HSE research has revealed that, although tradespeople know asbestos is harmful to health, they believe it is an historical problem not still relevant to them. They therefore do not take action to protect themselves.
Jean Doyle hopes the HSE scheme will help get the message across to thousands of trainee joiners, electricians, plumbers and other tradespeople about the dangers they face from asbestos.
Work as a joiner led to asbestos exposure
Jean’s husband, Dave, died from mesothelioma in 2006 after working as a joiner all his life. He was exposed to asbestos while using the material to make properties fire resistant. She said:
“Dave’s death has had a devastating impact on our family. Young people need to realise the real cost asbestos can have on their lives.
Both our sons and grandson have followed Dave into the building trade so I’ve made sure they’re aware of the dangers. Trainee apprentices need to know they’re not immortal.
I hope this new scheme will give them the confidence to say ‘no’ when they’re out at work, if they’re asked to work with asbestos. It may just look like dust but it’s deadly.”
The new ‘Introduction to Asbestos’ learning package is aimed at young tradespeople who may come into contact with the material, which was often used for fireproofing or insulation, while carrying out their work.
New learning package
The teaching materials include a video interview with Christopher Morgan, who died from mesothelioma in March 2010. The 58-year-old pipe fitter was exposed to asbestos fibres while repairing heating systems decades earlier. In the video, he urges young apprentices to take the threat of asbestos seriously.
David Gartside, HSE Board Member, said:
“We’re encouraging college lecturers to use our new learning package as part of their apprenticeship courses. I hope the video message from Christopher Morgan will make them realise asbestos is a genuine danger.
Many young tradespeople believe that, because asbestos is no longer used in buildings, it’s no longer a threat to them. But that simply isn’t true. The material was widely used for fireproofing and insulation up until ten years ago, so there’s every chance that they could come into contact with it.”
Asbestos can be found in many buildings built or refurbished before 2000. It becomes dangerous when it is broken up and fibres are released into the air.