SHE will get a lesson in training and working safe from UKATA
Asbestos Association set to focus on safety at celebrated London Expo in June
The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) will use its third attendance at the Safety and Health Expo (SHE) in London from 21-23 June this year to remind delegates of the importance of training when it comes to safely handling asbestos with the launch of this year’s Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safecampaign from stand S2055.
Predominantly aimed at those who may not otherwise have previously known about, or received asbestos training, UKATA members have been taking part in Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe over the last two years by offering free asbestos training courses during September and October and UKATA will be promoting this year’s campaign at the Expo in addition to offering advice on all things asbestos.
“When it comes to dealing with asbestos, training in handling it safely is paramount, which makes the Expo the perfect platform to launch our Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe campaign for 2016,” said Craig Evans, General manager of UKATA. “Asbestos remains the biggest single cause of work related deaths in the UK, so we still have a massive job on our hands to change perceptions of this hidden killer.”
The SHE Expo is the market leading annual exhibition for the Health and Safety industry and run exclusively with the support of IOSH, RoSPA and the BSIF. The event has established itself as the definitive event, offering three days of educational programmes, suppliers, products and much, much more, making the event a natural place to discuss the Train Safe, Work Safe Keep Safe initiative.
UKATA reminded delegates at the Expo in 2014 and 2015 that over 5,000 people die every year in the UK as a result of breathing in asbestos fibres and the event has proved an essential tool to raise awareness amongst those who may not think they have a problem. UKATA team members will explain the advantages of UKATA membership in terms of both keeping members abreast of the very latest UK and European legislation, and the importance of training and general asbestos awareness.
In 2015, members of the Association involved in the Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe campaign offered over 3500 hours free asbestos training, in an attempt to further raise the profile of the importance of the correct handling of asbestos and the 2016 campaign will look to deliver a similar outcome.
“It is imperative that any tradesperson who may come across asbestos during the course of their work is aware of the legal requirement and furthermore knows how to protect themselves and those around them,” added Craig Evans. “Asbestos Awareness training is the absolute minimum requirement for anyone who may come into contact with the fibres although this level of training does not permit them to work with any forms of asbestos. Too few people are fully aware of the facts and UKATA seeks to change that.”
The facts on asbestos make for uncomfortable reading. For those tradespeople with a cavalier approach, asbestos is estimated to be present in some 25% of buildings, a figure that rises considerably in public buildings. Over 75% of school buildings still contain asbestos and more than 140 teachers have died from mesothelioma in the last ten years.
“Attendance at the Expo forms a key part of our educational strategy for offering guidance to retailers, contractors and others regarding their duties with regard to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR),” added Craig. “Professional training can change the way today’s workers operate so they don’t put their lives at unnecessary risk and we are looking forward to delivering this message at the Expo.”
Media Enquiries:
Victoria Castelluccio, Marketing Officer
victoria.castelluccio@ukata.org.uk
01246 824437
Published on Tuesday 14th June 2016