UKATA is pleased to announce its collaboration with Asbestforum in Norway, at the Forum for Environmental Mapping and Remediation Expert Meeting 11-12 November 2024.
The conference held in Oslo, renowned for bringing together leaders and experts in asbestos management and safety, offered a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration. Highlights of the event included insightful presentations from prominent speakers such as Tom Eriksen, UKATA Director Adam Harding, and Dr Yvonne Waterman, who are highly respected within the asbestos industry.
The event drew a diverse range of attendees, including unions, regulatory bodies, asbestos professionals, and health and safety advocates from across Europe, all united in their mission to advance asbestos awareness and improve safety standards. Throughout the conference, speakers addressed critical topics such as asbestos exposure risks, best practices in remediation, and recent developments in legislation and technology.
UKATA was represented at the event by Director Adam Harding, and Chief Operating Officer Craig Evans, with Adam presenting a session on “Training Requirements”. Adam began his career as a science graduate, was employed as an environmental consultant and then subsequently as a surveyor and project manager. He has furthered his education with BOHS and NEBOSH technical qualifications in subject areas including Health and Safety, Asbestos and Legionella Management. Combined with his training qualifications he has provided training at all levels to clients in a range of sectors. More recently his experience has been in senior roles within a leading Health, Safety and Environmental Consultancy and as a Director of UKATA.
Speaking of the event Dr Yvonne Waterman said “The conference of the Norwegian Asbestforum was a resounding success. Organised by Tom Eriksen and Eirik Wærner, it brought together many Scandinavian as well as several international asbestos specialists, such as Adam Harding and Craig Evans of UKATA, Jesper Haunstoft and Morten Einshøj Petersen of Fiberbinder, Kari Mork Hege Borlaug and Vidar Larsen, amongst others.
Speakers and audience alike have a passion for learning, sharing, collaborating and accelerating towards eradication! Good things will surely come out of this: it doesn’t get better than that. High compliments for your fine organisation and warm hospitality, Tom and Eirik.”
UKATA Chief Operating Officer, Craig Evans added “With a population of 5.5 million, Norway has around 650 asbestos-related deaths annually—comparable per capita to the UK. With hundreds of asbestos removal companies and numerous training providers
in Norway, there is a significant opportunity to establish consistent standards for training and working practices. Standardisation will help ensure safety, quality, and best practices are upheld across the industry.
I look forward to working with Norway’s training and removal companies to create a consistent standard, while continuing efforts in other countries to promote safer practices and greater awareness. Thank you to Tom Eriksen and Eirik Wærner for the invitation and for putting on a great conference! We have been very well looked after!”
Asbestos related illnesses remain a significant health issue worldwide, and Asbestforum Norway continues to be a critical event in addressing these challenges. UKATA is proud to have contributed to this important dialogue and remains dedicated to leading the way in asbestos safety and education.
UKATA, a leading association, is dedicated to enhancing the quality and standards of asbestos training with the aim to shield workers and the public from the hazards of asbestos exposure.
The association collaborates closely with its members to guarantee that they have access to the latest information, training resources, and industry updates. They provide a suite of support services to assist them in accomplishing their training objectives. Their membership encompasses a diverse array of organisations involved in asbestos training, including training providers, asbestos removal contractors, consultants, and equipment suppliers.
UKATA is fervent about promoting safe and responsible working practices, committed to working with members and partners to realise a shared vision of protecting workers and the public from the hazards linked with asbestos exposure.
Published on Wednesday 13th November 2024