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A new campaign, aimed at tradesmen, is warning of the
dangers of asbestos, naming it the hidden killer.
About 20 workers, including plumbers, joiners and
electricians, die every week from
asbestos-related
diseases in Britain.
Those most at risk are those who are most likely to
disturb or damage it and breathe in the fibres.
With this in mind
the Health and Safety Executive
(HSE) is
launching 'Asbestos: The hidden killer' on 2 November,
with the aim of increasing awareness of the
risks posed
by asbestos and how workers can best protect themselves.
In the UK, around 500,000 non-domestic buildings
contain asbestos and Leeds has suffered more than most
big cities, partly because of the J W Roberts asbestos
factory in the city. It scattered asbestos dust over the
surrounding community for decades up to its closure in
the late 1950s.
Leeds was also home to
industries which used asbestos
heavily, such as tailoring, where asbestos was used on
machinery such as industrial steam presses.
The ‘hidden killer’ campaign is being supported by
unions, employers' representatives, health charities,
sufferers and victims groups.
David Snowball, HSE Regional Director for Yorkshire
and the Humber, said: “Asbestos is Britain's biggest
industrial killer. Contrary to what many people believe,
the risks are not a thing of the past.
Asbestos-related
illnesses claim the lives of 4,000 people every year –
more than die in
road accidents.”
If your employer has failed to prevent or
safeguard against your injuries then you may be entitled
to make a claim.
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