New Health and Safety Training Initiative Launched in Scotland
A new health and safety training initiative has launched in Scotland that aims to educate apprentice tradesman on the grave dangers posed to them by asbestos. Forty colleges and training providers gathered In Dundee last Tuesday to present the ‘Introduction to Absestos’ learning package.
The package, which features a video interview with a worker who died from the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma, urges tradesmen to take the risks seriously. It also outlines appropriate precautions to ensure they will not be affected by the ‘hidden killer’ in the future.
“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,” HSE Principal Inspector, Trevor Johnson revealed.
Over 3,400 people lost their lives to asbestos related cancers In Scotland between 1982 and 2008. The Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives, Asbestos Action Tayside, and Federation of Master Builders Scotland were among those who spoke at the launch of HSE’s Hidden Killer campaign.
“The stories are harrowing and the suffering unbearable but we need to tell these stories and show our film to bring home the dangers to the young tradespeople of the future to ensure they take care of themselves. I still hear of young people taking chances just to get a job finished! We need to stop future generations from suffering unnecessarily!” Asbestos Action Tayside Manager Alison Blake said.
