Workers' Protection - Lost in nano-space?. Attacks on Health & Safety Legislation – the European perspective

Northern TUC Health and Safety Seminar - Tuesday 1st April, Civic Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne

Workers’ protection – Lost in nano-space?       
Speaker – Prof. Vicki Stone

Attacks on Health & Safety Legislation – the European perspective
Speaker – Judith Kirton Darling

It has been known for some time that inhaling tiny fibres made by the nanotechnology industry could cause similar health problems to asbestos as some of these fibres are similar in shape to asbestos fibres which cause lung cancers such as mesothelioma.  Many of these lung cancers can take 25 to 50 years to develop. Nanofibres are already widely used to strengthen a wide range of materials and unless we make sure that we are taking adequate precautions we could face a potential time bomb similar to what has happened with asbestos. Unions should seek to ensure that the production and use of nanoparticles is done within a contained process and that employees are not exposed to any potential unknown risk. Nanomaterials should be treated just like any other serious health risk, and regulations such as COSHH must be applied rigorously.

The forum will hear from Prof. Vicki Stone BSc PhD ILTM FIBiol CBiol, Head of School at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, Director of Toxicology for SAFENANO, a facility to support the risk, exposure and hazard needs of nanotechnology industries.

We will also hear from Judith Kirton-Darling, European TUC Confederal Secretary responsible for health and safety and Labour Lead European Parliamentary candidate, who acknowledges that while technology is developing apace, we are not seeing the Commission adequately address the regulatory framework.

The precautionary principle is fundamental to guaranteeing public and occupational health and safety – the Commission must take action to ensure it is at the centre of EU nanotechnology policy.

The European TUC also emphasizes that an overall comprehensive strategy on workers’ protection and occupational health and safety is needed.

Trade Union Safety Reps are therefore invited to attend a health and safety training seminar which will look at the effects of nanotechnology and the impact of the attacks on Health & Safety legislation. 

The training day takes place in the Collingwood Suite, Newcastle Civic Centre and will start at 12.30 with a buffet lunch and end at 3.30pm.

Trade Union Safety Representatives should be entitled to paid time off to attend this training day.  If you wish to attend please complete and return the attached as soon as possible. A map, confirmation letter and agenda will be circulated prior to the meeting. 

Yours sincerely
Beth Farhat
Regional Secretary Northern TUC

Register by no later than Friday 21st March 2014 to :

Melanie Lowden,  mlowden@tuc.org.uk

Tel: 0191 232 3175
Fax: 0191 232 3190