Unions say end the deadly asbestos gamble
Unions say end the deadly asbestos gamble
Unions have given their strong support to a report from MPs calling for the urgent removal of asbestos from Britain’s buildings. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health warned that at least 5,000 people die annually as a result of exposure to asbestos. The number of preventable deaths is triple that on the roads, according to the report. Welcoming the MPs’ call, Unite national officer John Allott said: “The only way we will ensure future generations don’t have to experience the same deadly epidemic of asbestos related diseases that we suffer today is to eradicate it from every workplace in Britain.” Dan Shears, GMB national health and safety director, said: “This is a sensible and achievable approach from a cross-party group, and the government must take notice and provide a timetable for action. Other nations such as Poland already have ambitious plans in place for asbestos eradication. Given the UK's historic leading role as producer and consumer of asbestos, a national action plan is the very least that the government should commit to.” Brian Rye, national secretary of UCATT, said: “This report demonstrates that new regulations are urgently needed in order to ensure that construction workers undertaking maintenance and refurbishment work are properly protected. Workers should not be expected to play Russian roulette with their health.” Julie Winn, chair of the Joint Union Asbestos Committee (JUAC), which focuses on the asbestos risks in schools, said: “JUAC calls on all political parties to support the proposal for a new law on asbestos with a clear timetable for the eradication of asbestos and for them to work together to make all UK schools and colleges safe from asbestos.”
Stay Updated
Want to hear about our latest news and blogs?
Sign up now to get it straight to your inbox