MARF encourage us to wear blue on the day in support and take time to reflect on what we can do to prevent exposure to asbestos and raise awareness of the dangers. Mesothelioma is a deadly disease caused by asbestos fibres which, when breathed in, can cause damage to the cells that make up the internal linings of our body. There is no cure for the disease and sufferers are often subject to a painful and drawn-out illness.
According to the World Health Organisation, it is estimated that globally up to 200,000 people die from asbestos related diseases including mesothelioma. Despite all forms of asbestos being outlawed in the UK in 1999, each year in the UK approximately 2,500 people die of mesothelioma due to historic exposure to asbestos, with a further 2,500 persons dying of other asbestos related diseases. This shows that the legacy of our use of asbestos containing materials is long lasting with those contracting mesothelioma often doing so, as much as 60 years after they were exposed to asbestos.
Sadly, although asbestos has been known to cause mesothelioma and other cancers since the 1960s, many workers across the globe, particularly in less economically developed countries are still being exposed to asbestos, as its use as a cheap and versatile building materials continues. In countries where the use of asbestos is not outlawed, often other areas of health and safety management such as suitable PPE is also lacking, making exposure more likely.
But whilst we cannot do anything about historic exposure to asbestos, there are steps we can take to help prevent today’s workers being exposed to asbestos. Good asbestos management is all about good knowledge of:
- Where your asbestos is through management surveys;
- The condition of your asbestos through regular condition assessments;
- What the asbestos is; and
- The hazards it poses through adequate training being given to those managing buildings or working on them in areas where asbestos may be present.
This should form the core of your asbestos management plan which should be regularly reviewed to make sure it is being enacted and is effective.
At Assurity Consulting, we have a range of services to help you with your asbestos management. Our Asbestos Management Review service is there to help you to make sure you have a suitable and effective asbestos management plan. We can offer asbestos management surveys to help you put together an accurate register of your asbestos. We also offer condition assessments of your known asbestos containing materials, and both management and awareness training for those who may work with or hold responsibility for managing asbestos.
So, this Friday, wear blue in solidarity with those affected by mesothelioma and take a moment to reflect upon how you manage asbestos in your workplace and if there are any improvements that could be made.