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Asbestos 'hidden killer' campaign push

Issue date

24 Oct 2008

Asbestos 'hidden killer' campaign push

The Health and Safety Executive has warned that 'every week 20 tradesmen die from asbestos-related diseases,' and this number is set to rise. Former plasterer and England and Arsenal footballing legend, Ian Wright, is the 'ambassador' fronting HSE's 'Asbestos: The Hidden Killer' campaign. He said he was shocked when he learnt that 20 people from construction trades a week were dying from having been exposed to asbestos in their working lives. 'I used to be a plasterer before becoming a professional footballer, and was really surprised to learn that the number of deaths is actually on the increase year on year. If that was footballers dying, the whole of the premiership would be wiped out in just three months.' He added: 'I can really relate to the situations tradesmen find themselves in and urge them to take care.' The campaign includes new materials, prepared in consultation with unions, to highlight how to avoid potentially deadly exposures. HSE says one in four asbestos related cancer deaths are in tradespeople, and the numbers are rising. Asbestos may be present in any building constructed or refurbished before the year 2000, and it is estimated that around 500,000 non-domestic buildings could contain asbestos. A free information pack provides information on the dangers of asbestos, highlighting where asbestos-containing materials may be present in buildings, what they look like, how they should be dealt with and where to find training.

HSE news release and hidden killer campaign. Podcasts featuring former footballer Ian Wright and HSE chair Judith Hackitt. Daily Mirror.
For a free asbestos information pack, call 0845 345 0055.

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