Construction Workers Deaths Will Increase Following Government Cuts
UCATT made headlines last week when commenting upon governments spending cuts which they say will directly cost the lives of their members. As we have seen during the Flu crisic this winter, Government health & safety campaigns are the prime target to be slashed.
Construction union UCATT have discovered that an award winning campaign, which warned construction workers about the dangers of asbestos, has been cancelled. UCATT believes that the decision is due to the Government’s spending cuts and will lead to unnecessary deaths of many workers.
The Hidden Killer campaign, run by the Health and Safety Executive had its national launch in 2008. The campaign was aimed at construction workers, who are at the greatest risk of being exposed to asbestos. Research has found that most construction workers, especially young workers, are not aware of the dangers of asbestos. There was also evidence that although workers were aware that asbestos was dangerous they did not know where it might be found or what it looked like.
The award winning campaign comprised national and regional advertising in newspapers, radio and television and was supported with campaign packs, posters, stickers, flyers and leaflets.
The latest phase of the campaign was due to have been rolled out in October 2010. However UCATT were informed the launch of the campaign had been delayed due to the Government’s communications freeze. However the Hidden Killer campaign had been designated the key priority campaign at the HSE and discussions were taking place with Iain Duncan Smith, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, to allow the campaign to go ahead.
UCATT asked further questions about the campaign in November 2010 when they were informed by the HSE the campaign was “under discussion”. UCATT have recently received confirmation from the HSE: “There is no intention to run the Hidden Killer campaign again.”
Alan Ritchie , General Secretary of UCATT, said: “The cancellation of the Hidden Killer campaign will cost the lives of construction workers. This is directly a result of the Government’s cuts. I challenge Iain Duncan Smith who is ultimately responsible, to look me in the eye and tell me cutting this campaign is justified and will not endanger the lives of workers.”
On average 4,000 people die every year due to asbestos related diseases. The UK has the highest number of deaths a year from mesothelioma the incurable lung cancer caused by asbestos. Over 2,000 people died of mesothelioma, last year and death rates are continuing to rise.
Any property built or renovated before 2000 could contain asbestos.
The HSE faces cuts of at least 35% by June 2015. As well as cancelling theHidden Killer campaign the cuts are likely to lead to a decrease in inspections, prosecutions and enforcement activity on companies dealing with asbestos.
UCATT have written to Iain Duncan Smith the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, seeking an urgent meeting where they will argue the Hidden Killer campaign must be reinstated.
Mr Ritchie, added: “The lack of knowledge about asbestos among many workers is frightening. The Government has a duty to ensure that workers know the dangers and are fully protected. They must not play Russian Roulette with workers lives.”
On average each week approximately 8 joiners, 6 electricians and 4 plumbers die from asbestos-related diseases.
UCATT advises all workers that if they are unsure whether asbestos is present to stop work immediately and not to work with asbestos unless they have been fully trained.
But the risk is not limited to the construction industry, teachers in old schools have also been injured by asbestos, and telecomms engineers are also at risk due to the businesses which ignore asbestos in their buildings and fixtures. The risk of asbestos exposure to anyone working in a building built prior to 2000 cannot be underestimated according to health and safety officials and USRs.
Source: UCATT
