More than 800 men and women died in the region from asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma between 2001 and 2005. This figure is increasing year on year and is still a risk in our present day.
It is hoped that training will help prevent the disease claiming another generation of workers in industries such as construction, joinery and plumbing.
The Health and Safety Executive, in partnership with industry, set a target of 4,000 hours of face-to-face training to be donated during September – one hour for each life lost to asbestos-related illnesses in an average year. A further target of 4,000 hours of online training was also set.
The HSE had an overwhelming response from training providers and asbestos removal companies across Britain meant the combined target of 8,000 hours was smashed by more than 50%.
The free training is aimed at those most likely to disturb the asbestos fibres as they go about their work –around 20 of whom lose their lives to asbestos-related diseases every week.
Paul Spurrier, HSE head of operations for Yorkshire, said: “This training will save lives by helping to tackle the dangerous ignorance that still prevails about the risks of working with asbestos.
“It will help prevent this hidden killer from claiming lives from another generation of trades people.
“The response from training providers has been overwhelming and completely exceeded our expectations. There’s been a real groundswell of support from a whole range of training providers.
Barry Softley, Managing Director said “We have the knowledge, expertise and experience to offer high standards of training. We have to tackle asbestos on a daily basis and know of all the locations and appearances which people may not be aware of.”
“If we can educate people in being asbestos aware then we can help to reduce the fatalities caused by exposure to asbestos.”
If you are interested in the free asbestos awareness training you need to go to www.hse.gov.uk and look for Fibre Environmental Services, based in Drighlington. A few hours in a classroom or in front of a computer could add years to someone’s life.”
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Fibre Environmental Services provide specialist Asbestos removal and management services throughout the UK
Our team will provide asbestos removal solutions which are tailored specifically for you supported by our highly skilled professional workforce.
