Campaigns Highlighting Asbestos Exposure Gaining Momentum

6th April 2018

The AsbestosAsbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK1. Asbestos was extensively used in construction materials up until the late 1990s, and is present in a significant number of bu... More Disease Awareness Organisation (ADAO) is continuing into its 14^th year, with a week-long event ‘Global Asbestos Awareness Week’ (GAAW), to raise awareness of asbestos, culminating on the 7^th April. The campaign is designed to bring worldwide attention to the ongoing importance of preventing disease through exposure to asbestos.

Building on the issues of strength and collaboration, this year’s (GAAW) will focus on:

Banning the mining, manufacturing, and use of asbestos
Preventing asbestos exposure
Increasing compliance and enforcement of existing laws and regulations
Strengthening international partnerships

Despite the fact that it is a known and recognised carcinogen (with no safe levels of exposure), asbestos still remains legal in many places around the world. ADAO’s vision is to eliminate asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma.

The ADAO has built an unparalleled library of educational asbestos materials, including contributions from distinguished medical, health and safety, and scientific professionals. Its aim is to collaborate with other countries around the world and with public health organisations to eliminate asbestos-related disease.

For updates from ADAO click here.

With asbestos being noted as being the biggest occupational killer in the world, approximately 5,000* people die from work-related asbestos exposure in the UK alone every year. The Institution of Occupational and Safety Health (IOSH) will also be launching the asbestos phase of its No Time to Lose campaign, on the 9^th April. The campaign, now in its 4^th year, aims to raise awareness of cancer caused by work and helps businesses to act by providing free practical resources.

To find out more about the campaign and how you can get involved click here.

To find out how the S₂ Partnership and the RiskWise Asbestos Register can provide easy and simple solutions to managing asbestos risks, please contact us.

*Source – HSE