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‘Hidden Killer’ campaign given fresh boost by new training initiative
A new asbestos training initiative has been launched in Scotland with over 40 colleges and training providers coming together to learn about the free HSE training package.
The aim is to get the message across to thousands of trainee joiners, electricians, plumbers and other tradespeople about the dangers they face from asbestos and what they should be doing to protect themselves.
The Introduction to Asbestos learning package includes a video interview with a 58-year old pipe fitter Christopher Morgan from London, who died in March 2010 from mesothelioma. In his message he urges tradesmen to learn about the risks and take appropriate precautions.
In Scotland 3,456 people died from the asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma, between 1982 and 2008 – it is hoped that this initiative will help prevent it claiming another generation of tradesmen.
Bid to tackle ignorance about Britain’s biggest industrial killer
During the autumn training providers across Scotland donated a total of 700 hours of free face-to-face asbestos awareness training for the country’s tradesmen, in support of HSE’s Hidden Killer campaign.
The learning package will maintain momentum in raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos. Speaking at the event were Asbestos Action Tayside, Federation of Master Builders Scotland (FMB Scotland) and the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives (SCHWL).
HSE Principal Inspector Trevor Johnson commented after the launch event:
“This is the latest phase of HSE’s Hidden Killer campaign in our bid to tackle ignorance about Britain’s biggest industrial killer. I want to encourage college lecturers and other vocational training providers to use our new learning package as part of their courses.
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 in domestic, commercial and industrial premises. Such buildings contain asbestos materials now and will continue to do so for many years into the future.”