HSE launches asbestos safety campaign
November 2nd 17:21 Health and Safety
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has begun a new campaign to highlight the dangers of asbestos in the workplace.
It has launched a £1.2 million initiative aimed at informing firms - including those carrying out facilities management - of the risks the substance poses to workers.
A total of 2,156 people died from mesothelioma - which is linked to asbestos exposure - during 2007 and more than 35,000 were killed by the cancer between 1977 and 2007.
The month-long event will see information packs distributed to those working in the construction sector, as well as press and radio adverts used to highlight the issue.
"With this campaign we can educate today's workforce about the risks and what action they need to take to protect themselves from this deadly dust," remarked asbestos programme director at the HSE Steve Coldrick.
The body recently issued fines to two businesses and a company director after they were found to have allowed their employees to be exposed to asbestos at work.
