Danger Beneath the Surface
Asbestosis and lung cancer are probably not the first dangers to spring to mind when considering the job of an electrician. However, of the 20 workers who die each week from asbestos, 6 are electricians, according to a report from the HSE.
This startling statistic is the lynchpin of the HSE’s campaign to raise awareness among electricians that asbestos is still claiming lives, and at a disturbingly high rate. Called ‘Hidden Killer’, the campaign aims to remove the complacency that has built up around the subject by reminding workers that asbestos can still be present in buildings built or refurbished before 2000.
As part of the campaign and to mark National Action Mesothelioma Day, the HSE has launched a web video featuring Tom King a carpenter by trade, who has been diagnosed with the terminal lung cancer, mesothelioma. The video can be viewed at www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm
Recent research conducted by HSE shows that young tradesmen, such as plumbers and electricians, know that asbestos is dangerous but just don’t believe that they are personally at risk. This campaign reminds tradesmen that unless they take precautions asbestos could kill them too.
Instead of enjoying his retirement now, Tom said of his condition mesothelioma, "It’s taken away 85% of
what I do, my life has been cut short. If I had known of the dangers of the asbestos when I was younger I
would have taken the right precautions. If I’m very lucky I’ll say I’ve got three years left, but it may just be a
year."
Norwich Union is also keen to raise awareness of the dangers and warns electricians that despite the law to protect them – where responsibility to make the building safe resides with the owner or tenant – they cannot afford to become complacent.
Phil Grace, liability risk manager, Norwich Union, adds: “Although property owners have a duty to identify the presence of asbestos and take steps to reduce the risk, the material can still be present and electricians must be vigilant. The law cannot cover every eventuality and therefore workers must be aware of the precautions they need to take.
“Studies have shown that while many of the ‘most at risk’ workers know of the dangers of residual asbestos that remains in buildings, they do not believe that they would come into contact with it or they believe there’s a safe limit.”
Grace warns that electricians should only work with asbestos if they have had asbestos training and the work is properly planned and the right controls and equipment are in place.
“Being aware is half the battle and good preparation should ensure that employees don’t stumble across asbestos.
“Workers must be aware of the warning signs, such as fibrous, flaky materials, and ensure that if they come across these signs, they should stop work until expert advice is obtained. Norwich Union Risk Services (NURS) has a preferred supplier who would be able to help survey a premises.”
As part of Norwich Union’s Simply Safety campaign, a downloadable guide is available at www.nurs.co.uk advising trades on how to approach work where there might be a risk of asbestos present.
A ‘Managing Asbestos Risks’ course is also available from Norwich Union Risk Services, which provides information to identify and assess asbestos risks and the skills to develop an ongoing management programme.
Free Information packs for the ‘Hidden Killer’ campaign are available from HSE’s Info Line: 0845 345 0055.
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