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Risks Newsletter

Number 311 - 23 June 07

Hazards magazine advertisement

'Myth of the month'

Hazards logo - warning sign Editor: Rory O'Neill of Hazards magazine. Comments to the TUC at healthandsafety@tuc.org.uk

Risks is the TUC's weekly online bulletin for safety reps and others, read each week by over 14,500 subscribers and 1,500 on the TUC website. To receive this bulletin every week, click here . Past issues are available . This edition contains Useful links TUC courses for safety reps Disclaimer and Privacy statement .

UNION NEWS OTHER NEWS ACTION INTERNATIONAL NEWS EVENTS AND COURSES USEFUL LINKS
UNION NEWS
Firms should not panic over flu pandemic

The TUC is warning against an over-reaction from firms on the flu pandemic threat, saying some employers are panicking and taking pointless and disruptive measures. Guidance for employers and unions published last week by TUC gives advice on how workplaces could best prepare for a possible UK outbreak. It warns of the possibility that employers could fall victim to 'snake-oil' salesmen, as happened during the recent SARS outbreak, and urges employers not to panic or stockpile products that could have no impact on the spread of the virus. Instead, TUC calls on employers to develop a contingency plan for dealing with an outbreak that could disrupt transport, supplies, banking, the internet and which could see up to 50 per cent of the workforce absent at any one time. With schools likely to close for example, many working parents would be unable to come into work. The TUC wants to see employers develop plans for working from home, dealing with sickness absence, and encouraging better personal hygiene at work. TUC general secretary Brendan Barber commented: 'Unions are already telling us of sales companies phoning up employers offering to supply anti-viral medication to their staff in the event of an outbreak. Others are trying to sell supplies of latex gloves or disposable facemasks on the back of the pandemic flu threat.' He added: 'It is important that employers don't panic, but put sensible plans in place. There is also no evidence that the use of latex gloves or disposable masks in most workplace situations would have any effect on the spread of the virus and it is likely that people might feel that if they wear such protection they can come into work even if they are ill. This could lead to an increased risk.' He said if large firms hogged the stocks of anti-virals 'simply to keep their staff at work during an outbreak, this could have serious implications for the treatment of people who actually get ill and really need anti-viral medication.'

College survey spots bad management

A union survey has found the majority of staff at a UK university are suffering stress as a result of management bullying. Lecturers' union UCU undertook the survey after Leeds Metropolitan University's human resources department refused to investigate the problem. UCU found over two-thirds (68 per cent) of staff surveyed had suffered stress because of bullying from their managers. A similar proportion (67 per cent) said they had become angry as a result of how they were treated and over three-fifths had lost sleep (62 per cent) or become anxious (61 per cent). The union said an indication of the bullying culture was a unilateral ban on staff leave during graduation week and a two week staff development 'festival', followed by a thinly veiled threat to sack those who did not participate. The festival coincides with the end of the summer holidays, a time when schools are still on holiday, and many parents wish to be with their families. UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: 'The behaviour of the management at Leeds Metropolitan University is clearly having a demoralising effect on the staff. A decent work/life balance is crucial to staff being able to do their jobs properly. Even more worrying are the revelations in the survey about the impact the management's approach is having on staff's health.' UCU regional official, Adrian Jones, said: 'Besides the high levels of stress and anxiety, the survey reveals a climate of fear with 96 per cent of those surveyed reporting that they felt inhibited about criticising policies of Leeds Met.'

Harassed worker secures settlement

A building attendant who suffered from bullying and harassment at work has been awarded damages. Shaun Kernon, 38, will receive the undisclosed out-of-court settlement from his employer, Gateshead Council. The UNISON member had worked at Gateshead Civic Centre from 2001. From the outset, he was subjected to bullying and harassment from a colleague. In bringing the action, Mr Kernon had to prove that there was a course of conduct, which was oppressive, unreasonable and unacceptable, and that this was closely connected to his employment. It was medically proven that he had suffered a depressive illness, which required treatment. His legal advisers, Thompsons Solicitors, said since a 2006 test case employers have been held to be liable for harassment by employees (Risks 266). David Mole of Thompsons said: 'This was a challenging case, especially as the council intended to call 11 witnesses, all of whom said that the alleged harassment had not occurred. It was important to fight this case because bullying and harassment in the workplace is completely unacceptable and needs to be stamped out, as it is being done in schools. We proceeded on the basis that if Mr Kernon's evidence was believed by the court then he should succeed under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.' UNISON representative, Gill Hale, said: 'This case should make other employers sit up and realise that employees who bully colleagues are their responsibility. Such behaviour is unacceptable in the workplace.' The case was intended to go to trial in June 2007 before the council offered to settle.

Modern miner gets deafness payout

A miner whose hearing was severely damaged working for just 11 years in modern coalmines has received a £4,500 payout. UK Coal Ltd is to pay the damages to former employee David Burns, 49. The GMB member brought his claim after realising that his hearing had become impaired, struggling to hear normal conversations. He worked for UK Coal Limited from 1984 until he was made redundant in September 2005. In 1986 he started to work in the open cast mines, and in 1991 he worked with the drilling team for three years. 'The noise was often excessive; you couldn't hear yourself think,' Mr Burns said. 'Normally on a morning we were provided with sponge type ear protection. However, when you were out with the gangs these were not always available. I got used to the noise but I never realised the lasting and damaging effect that it would have on my hearing.' In April 2003 he attended a routine health check where he was advised his hearing had deteriorated and he had high blood pressure. Noise exposure is a recognised cause of both deafness and high blood pressure. GMB regional secretary Tom Brennan commented: 'We are very pleased with the outcome of David Burns' case because noise is still one of the most underestimated workplace risks. We hope that other employers that continue to put their employees at risk will take note.'

Bring Lloyd's killers to justice, says NUJ

The delay in bringing to justice the killers of Terry Lloyd is unacceptable, journalists' union NUJ has said. NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear last week called for 'less prevarication and more action' after the government admitted it had not taken any action to prosecute soldiers responsible for the death of NUJ member Terry Lloyd in Iraq in 2003 (Risks 299). Solicitor general Mike O'Brien, responding to a parliamentary question tabled by the NUJ's cross-party group of MPs, said the case was 'still under active review' but that the Crown Prosecution Service needed further information before it could decide on any action. The NUJ tabled the parliamentary question after the coroner in the inquest into the death of Terry Lloyd wrote to attorney general Lord Goldsmith last October 'to see whether any steps can be taken to bring the perpetrators responsible for this to justice' (Risks 279). The inquest ruled the ITN correspondent was 'unlawfully killed' when a fatal bullet from American troops hit him in the head as he was being taken to hospital in a civilian vehicle. NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear said despite the coroner's call 'eight months later the government have still not taken any action to bring those who unlawfully killed Terry to justice. There needs to be less prevarication and more action, less impunity and more concern for justice.' John McDonnell MP, secretary of the NUJ Parliamentary Group, said: 'There is a moral obligation by the British government to take this matter further.'

Vigil for BBC captive's 100th day

Thousands of BBC staff and union members around the world observed a vigil on 20 June marking 100 days since the kidnapping of Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston. Mr Johnston's parents released 100 balloons marking the days passed since a group calling itself The Army of Islam abducted the reporter. Johnston was the only Western reporter permanently based in Gaza, and his abduction has triggered appeals for his release from lawmakers and rights groups around the world. UK journalists' union NUJ marked the day by supporting the vigil and delivering letters to the Palestinian prime minister and the UK Foreign Secretary, urging them to redouble their efforts to secure Alan's release. NUJ thanked the Palestinian Syndicate of Journalists for their support. Jeremy Dear, NUJ general secretary, said: 'We are calling for Alan's immediate, safe and unconditional release so that he can return home to his loved ones and continue his valuable work as a world-respected journalist.' Aidan White, general secretary of the global journalists' union federation IFJ, said: 'The time for action by the authorities and others with influence over these kidnappers has long passed.' He added: 'Alan is not forgotten and the fight to release him will continue until his liberation and safe return.'

Union push for pleural plaques payouts

As a bid gets underway to persuade the Law Lords to reverse a Court of Appeal decision last year to deny compensation to people with pleural plaques caused by asbestos exposures (Risks 279), around 200 construction workers from all over the UK will assemble outside parliament. To coincide with the start of the House of Lords case on 25 June, the demonstrators - including thermal insulation engineers, welders and fabricators - will urge the Lords to restore compensation for sufferers of pleural plaques. Compensation used to be paid for pleural plaques, shadows on the lung caused by asbestos exposure, but this was stopped as a result of the October 2006 Court of Appeal decision. GMB says workers undertaking manual and physically heavy jobs are particularly affected by this ruling. John McClean, GMB national health and safety officer, said 'many construction workers and their families have suffered and continue to suffer the devastating effects of plural plaques. They need the compensation money to help them when they can no longer work and to help them adjust to their changed circumstances.' The demonstration starts at 9.30am on Monday 25 June.

OTHER NEWS
Payout after asbestos destroys kidney

An asbestos exposed worker who developed a serious kidney disease is thought to be the first in the country to win compensation for the condition. Ex-motor mechanic Graham Mansfield has been awarded £135,000 after losing the use of his right kidney. Mr Mansfield developed retroperitoneal fibrosis, a rare condition that causes damage to the kidneys and other organs. The 67-year-old, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, worked for the Trent Motor Traction Company, Speeds Motor Group and Evans Halshaw (Northern) between 1955 and 1977. He claimed he was exposed to asbestos fibres in the dust from brake linings, which in turn caused his illness. Supporting evidence came from Mr Mansfield's doctor and in an expert report that concluded the disease can be attributed to asbestos in cases where lifetime exposure exceeds five years. The three defendants have agreed to pay a total of £135,000. Denis O'Gorman, a solicitor at law firm Irwin Mitchell who represented Mr Mansfield, said: 'It now seems unmistakable that Mr Mansfield's illness is solely down to the exposure to asbestos fibres he received between 1955 and 1977. Medical experts have concluded that this is the case and have even stated that this may cause Mr Mansfield's life to be ended prematurely.' Adrian Budgen, a partner at Irwin Mitchell, added: 'As far as we are aware this is the first settlement of its kind and is therefore very significant.' He said retroperitoneal fibrosis could lead to blockage of the urethras leading to kidney failure. 'Because of its rarity, relatively few studies have investigated its causation,' he said. 'However, the balance of epidemiological evidence, although limited, clearly supports a causal role of asbestos in retroperitoneal fibrosis.' He added that the causation link was also 'biologically plausible' as asbestos 'is known to penetrate to the abdominal cavity in exposed workers to cause fibrosis, or 'asbestosis' of the lungs.'

TUC welcomes sickness absence task force

The TUC has welcomed a new task force, charged with finding practical solutions to workplace sickness absence. DWP minister Lord McKenzie this week announced this new vocational rehabilitation task group to help ill or injured people stay in or return to work, and called on employers to do more to support their employees. The task group - made up of representatives of government, unions, business and insurers - will identify what occupational health and vocational rehabilitation services are currently available, why businesses do not provide more support, and what needs to be done to increase understanding and ensure wider provision of support services, including possible incentives such as tax relief for employers. Lord McKenzie said one million people take sick leave every week, 3,000 of these will not return within six months, and of these 2,500 will still be on incapacity benefit five years later. He added 'very few employers offer occupational health or vocational rehabilitation. This task force will identify why this is the case, what barriers are preventing wider provision, and what needs to be done to change this.' The minister said: 'Rehabilitation is not about forcing people back to work,' adding 'businesses have much to gain in terms of reduced sickness absence, and improved staff engagement and retention.' TUC head of safety Hugh Robertson, commenting on the new nine-person task force which includes three union representatives, said: 'This initiative brings together unions, employers, insurers and the government to try to get practical measures taken that will actually make a difference in the workplace. For 10 years various working parties and initiatives have all debated the issues around rehabilitation, but made little practical difference. If change is going to happen it will be through initiatives based in the workplace. We hope that this time it will begin to make a difference.'

Transport ban for van blast firm

The employer of a welder, killed when his van exploded, devastating a County Durham town, has been banned from transporting oxy-acetylene cylinders. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inquiry found gas from cutting equipment caused the Wolsingham blast. The HSE prohibition notice bans Ward Bros Plant Hire Ltd, of Darlington, from carrying the cylinders in closed vehicles until more precautions are taken. Father-to-be Andy Herd, 33, was killed in the explosion on 26 May. Residents were evacuated when windows in shops and homes were blown out and wreckage was strewn across the centre of the market town, near Bishop Auckland. The explosion happened shortly after Mr Herd, of Mill Race, Wolsingham, stopped at a shop on the town's Front Street. It is understood the vehicle was moving at the time. Pam Waldron, HSE's h ead of o perations in the North East, said: ' Whilst the investigation continues, it is important that all users of oxy-acetylene equipment review their cylinder transport arrangements. Instruction and training of employees in safe operation, including regular checks of equipment condition and functioning, are needed to prevent any releases. In addition such gases are best transported properly secured in an open vehicle; if an enclosed vehicle is used, it should have adequate ventilation. ' An appeal fund has been set up for Mr Herd's wife Jennifer, who is expecting the couple's first child. Wolsingham Parish Council said the fund would also be shared between families whose homes were damaged by the blast.

Safety rules change urged after teen death

An MP wants changes in health and safety rules on building sites after two companies were fined following the electrocution death of a 19-year-old. Plaid Cymru MP Elfyn Llwyd said lessons should be learned from the death of Miall Roberts three years ago. The teenager was killed in 2004 by 11,000 volts of electricity while laying concrete foundations, when a boom hit an overhead cable. He said one contractor should look after all health and safety on a site. At Mold Crown Court RL Davies & Son was fined £25,000 with £15,814 costs, and Permanent Flooring was fined £6,000 with £12,000 costs after admitting health and safety at work charges. Mr Llwyd, Plaid's parliamentary leader, said the fact that responsibility had been shared was perhaps reflected in the fines being 'lower than would have been expected'. Ultimately one company or individual should be responsible for all health and safety rules being adhered to on a building site, he added. 'I don't think this would be too difficult to put into practice, if one company was in charge then if there was a problem they would have to explain what went wrong.' Judge Dafydd Hughes said in addition to the firms prosecuted, there were other players involved in the tragedy. He said the client, the former Welsh Development Agency, and Scottish Power also had responsibilities. He said that if they had insisted on the cables being removed before work started on the new food factory then the tragedy would never have happened. HSE inspector Chris Wilcox said: 'Each year there are around 1,000 incidents involving electric shock at work, and about 30 of these have resulted in fatalities.' He added: 'Household voltages are enough to kill, but in this case the voltage involved was nearly 50 times greater. Overhead power lines can be switched off if the operators are given sufficient notice, but if this isn't possible, they should be consulted on safe systems of work.'

Small fine for mangled hand

A company has been fined £4,600 after an employee's hand was crushed in an inadequately guarded industrial mangle. Steven Lord was left with long-term injuries after his right hand was drawn in between two rollers of a rinse mangle while he was working at Bowling Finishing Services Ltd in Nelson, Lancashire. As a result of the injury sustained in August last year, Mr Lord is now classed as 40per cent disabled, but is hoping to return to work later this year at the company. The textile finishing firm was fined a total of £4,600, and ordered to pay £2,381 costs, at Reedley Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to two safety offences. It was fined £2,000 for failing to prevent access to the dangerous parts of a machine, and £2,600 for failing to make an assessment of the risks. HSE inspector Philip Strickland said: 'Mr Lord's injuries were serious, but the consequences of this incident could have been far worse. The machinery that this accident occurred on had no safeguards to prevent access to these dangerous parts. From the investigation carried out it was also found that there was a lack of suitable and sufficient risk assessment.' The inspector added: 'This case graphically illustrates that companies should ensure that all their machinery is adequately guarded for the safety of all employees, and suitable risk assessments are carried out.'

Pilots poisoned by toxic cabin air

Toxic fumes on planes are poisoning pilots and rendering them unable to fly safely, say pilots, who are campaigning for 'aerotoxic syndrome' to be recognised as a disease. Two official investigations are being opened after concerns that highly toxic fuel contaminants are leaking into cabin air supply on commercial airliners in flight. The UK government is to fit air-monitoring equipment on board aircraft amid increasing concerns that passengers, pilots and cabin crew are being exposed. And 1,500 pilots will take part in the first major health study designed to establish the extent of the problem. 'We're basically the canaries - getting knocked down by the fumes first,' says Susan Michaelis, a former pilot who believes she was poisoned by fumes from leaked engine fuel while flying. She and other grounded pilots launched a 'Toxic Free Airlines' campaign for the condition to be recognised, at a 18 June Westminster meeting timed to coincide with the final date for submissions of evidence to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee's inquiry on 'Air Travel And Health'. Michaelis, who is currently at the University of New South Wales, Australia, carried out a survey of 250 pilots and found that 85 per cent had detected contaminated air - which smells like 'dirty socks' - while flying. Of these, 57 per cent reported symptoms of ill-health relating to the incident, and 8 per cent had to be retired on health grounds. Michaelis believes that the long-term effects of prolonged exposure are largely overlooked by airline companies. Symptoms related to long-term exposure purportedly include neurological and respiratory problems, memory loss, difficulties with speech, and chronic fatigue.

Motorway blaze crash firefighter dies

Fire service union FBU has said it is 'devastated' at the death of another Hertfordshire firefighter, hit by a car as he tackled a fire in a vehicle on a motorway. Paul Mallaghan, 46, was putting out the fire in a Saab car on the A1(M) near Stevenage when the crash happened. Mr Mallaghan, who was based at Stevenage fire station, died later in hospital. Another firefighter was also taken to hospital with injuries. Stevenage had previously lost firefighters Jeff Wornham and Mike Miller in a flat fire on 2 February 2005 (Risks 297). All three firefighters were on the same watch. Tony Smith, Hertfordshire FBU brigade secretary said: 'Paul's death has devastated the Hertfordshire fire service. The brigade and the Watch were just starting to get over the loss of firefighters Jeff Wornham and Mike Miller - also of Blue Watch, Stevenage - and now we have lost Paul. To lose three firefighters from the same watch at two separate incidents is cruel beyond imagination. Our thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues.' FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: 'A tragic death in the line of duty touches everyone in the fire service. The fire service is like a family and deaths within the fire service are felt very deeply indeed. Our thoughts are also with the other firefighter who was injured at the incident. We wish him a speedy recovery and our thoughts are also with his family, colleagues and friends.' The union leader added: 'Local and national FBU officials will be participating in looking at all health and safety issues relating to the incident.' Six firefighters died in England in the three years from 2004 to 2006. This compares to four in the preceding seven years from 1997 to 2003. In the US this week, nine firefighters died while tackling a furniture warehouse blaze in Charleston, South Carolina.

Top EU court backs UK safety law

The European Union's top court last week dismissed charges that Britain broke EU laws by limiting how far companies need to go in ensuring the health and safety of their employees. The European Commission had argued in the European Court of Justice that a British regulation saying employers must ensure the health and safety of workers only 'so far as is reasonably practicable' did not fully comply with EU rules. 'The court dismisses the Commission's action against the 'reasonably practicable' qualification contained in the United Kingdom legislation on health and safety of workers,' the Luxembourg-based court said in a statement. The Commission had said Britain was allowing an employer to escape responsibility if it could prove that measures to ensure safety of workers were grossly disproportionate in terms of money, time or trouble when balanced against the relevant risk. In the UK, the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) welcomed the ruling and said the country had the best occupational safety record in Europe. 'We continue to believe that the right way forward is a proportionate and risk-based approach protecting employees and others effectively, whilst allowing common sense to be applied when deciding on what protective measures to adopt,' said HSC chair Bill Callaghan in a statement. TUC general secretary Brendan Barber welcomed the resolution of the case, adding: 'The Health and Safety Executive now needs to get on with ensuring that the UK's safety laws are properly enforced and that employers who risk the safety of their workforce are brought to book. This has always been more important than any worries about the nuances of the wording of our safety laws.' In recent years there has been a deterioration in all HSE enforcement activities in the UK, including the numbers of prosecutions, convictions, inspections and notices issued.

Crane collapse firm get safety notice

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has served a prohibition notice on the owners of the crane that collapsed in Croydon earlier this month (Risks 309). Select Plant Hire Company Ltd, the Kent-based company that owned the tower crane and which is part of construction giant Laing O'Rourke, has been served a notice banning them from erecting cranes without properly trained staff. The crane operator was seriously injured in the collapse, and three other workers were trapped for several hours. HSE said the company would still be allowed to operate its cranes, but they must do so with properly trained teams. HSE's investigation, which is ongoing, has already established the top section of the crane had not been connected to the climbing frame. A Select Plant spokesperson said: 'We believe our crane crews are adequately trained and accumulate extensive onsite experience before taking part in any crane climbing operations.' He added: 'Clearly, however, there are lessons to be learned from this incident and we are determined to learn those lessons - fast. We will not prejudge the outcome of the investigation and we continue to cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities.' The Croydon incident was the latest in a spate of crane-related incidents, which have claimed at least three lives in the last year (Risks 291).

ACTION
Support the push for an end to crane deaths

The Battersea Crane Disaster Action Group (BCDAG) has launched a petition to the prime minister calling for an end to crane-related disasters. BCDAG wants to get 2,000 online signatures on its 'Stop Crane Deaths' petition, hopefully well before a 31 May 2008 deadline. The petition is asking that all cranes: Be independently inspected and certified fit for use; are no longer used once they reach a certain age; be registered on a central register; have safety records readily available for all to see; and that all construction companies have a duty to consult with residents in the local area on crane usage. You can help BCDAG by signing up yourself and circulating details to your contacts.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Australia: Another suicide linked to top firm

The family and friends of a line technician at Australian communications giant Telstra who killed himself believe increasing performance targets and plans to install satellite tracking in his work van drove him to suicide. They allege Leon Dousset, a Telstra technician for 32 years, killed himself in March, depressed because new Telstra performance monitoring had forced him to adopt substandard work practices. He was also upset over a plan to fit work vans with GPS tracking. The allegations follow the suicide of Telstra call centre worker Sally Sandic in January (Risks 301). Her family allege sharply increased sales targets and work pressure were responsible. Former Telstra workmate John Hitchiner said Mr Dousset was well-respected by his colleagues but became increasingly depressed under a new time-based performance system, which he said did not allow for preventive maintenance or for tasks to be finished satisfactorily. He added that his friend felt GPS tracking in workers' vans was 'demeaning'' and 'showed a lack of trust.' A report in 2002 identified work-related suicide as a major under-reported problem in Victoria, Australia - the state in which both Sally and Leon worked. There is growing evidence linking work factors to suicide. Unions in France have claimed recent suicides at car firm Renault's design centre are linked to overwork and heavy-handed management (Risks 309). Last year in Japan, authorities made 65 compensation payouts for overwork-related suicides, and one for attempted suicide (Risks 307). A TUC-backed report in Hazards magazine in 2003 warned that in the UK, heart disease, suicide and stroke would be major workplace killers in the high paced, high stress 21st century workplace (Risks 118).

Global: ITF celebrates victory for fishing crews

Global seafarers' union federation ITF has warmly welcomed a vote at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to adopt the Work in Fishing Convention, after a lengthy campaign by ITF and its affiliated unions. The vote at ILO's congress last week saw 437 in favour of the convention, two against, and 22 abstentions. Prior to the vote, ITF general secretary David Cockroft told ILO delegates: 'There are many ITF unions here today representing workers in the fishing sector. They have worked tirelessly for many years to bring this convention to a successful conclusion.' He added: 'Fishers desperately need this convention. Fishing is the most dangerous industry on earth. It also has some of the nastiest conditions. We have documented examples of some fishing boat owners responding to organising efforts by crews by throwing those responsible into the sea.' Speaking after the convention was approved, ITF seafarers' section secretary Jon Whitlow commented: 'This vote is a major step towards gaining decent work for fishers and setting an international minimum standard for the sector. It should also provide a tool to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and prevent some of the worst abuses that we know take place within this sector. The work does not stop now - we need to ensure that the convention is ratified and implemented and makes a real difference to fishers in their workplace.'

South Africa: Asbestos victims face poverty

Even after being paid compensation, South Africa's asbestos disease victims remain desperately poor and many have already exhausted their once-off lump sum compensation, according to a study by the Asbestos Relief Trust (ART). The fund was set up after South African investment holding company Gencor and British multinational Cape settled litigation for damages by paying R587.5 million (£41.7m at the 2007 exchange rate). They did not accept liability. The study by the ART found nearly 20 per cent of claimants said their families suffered food shortages daily. The report said it was not surprising, therefore, that spending on basic needs such as food featured as a main item of household expenses. The compensation provided immediate short-term relief for many claimants. While more than 80 per cent of claimants still required medical treatment, very few - and none in one area - made provisions for future medical costs. More than 90 per cent of potential claimants agreed or strongly agreed that the trust should pay them 'sorry money' by way of recompense for the suffering caused by asbestos mining. The majority of potential claimants were found to have non-compensable asbestos-related illnesses. This was generally greeted with disappointment as 'asbestos money' was seen as a last hope for financial relief for thousands of potential but unsuccessful claimants, the study found.

USA: Outrage at work cancer report delay

A Minnesota state senator and the United Steelworkers union have called for investigations into a state Health Department delay in releasing information about deadly cancers in Iron Range miners. Senator John Marty said the Senate Health Committee will take up the issue during a hearing next week. Bob Bratulich, director of District 11 of the United Steelworkers, said the legislature and attorney general must determine whether there was a cover-up. 'It is unconscionable, unethical, and probably criminal for a public agency to withhold information about a potential health risk to workers,' he said. The furore erupted after it was revealed state officials waited a year before releasing research findings that 35 additional taconite miners had developed the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma, in addition to the 17 cases previously known. A state researcher discovered the additional cancer cases in March 2006, but they weren't released until March of this year. According to documents obtained by the Star Tribune, officials had planned last year to disclose the information. But state Health Commissioner Dianne Mandernach rejected those plans last autumn. In an interview with Minnesota Public Radio, Mandernach - who is facing calls from legislators for her resignation - defended the decision, saying department staff were working on studies to determine the cause of the cancer, although budget cuts had let to earlier related cancer studies being curtailed. Public health experts have criticised the delay in releasing the cancer findings, saying the state's 4,000 current miners had a right to know the new information. The cancer figure has since been revised upwards.

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Newsletter (5,900 words) issued 22 Jun 2007

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