UKATA is pleased to announce the success of its sponsorship and participation in the European Asbestos Forum (EAF) Foundation Conference, held on 12-13 December 2024 in Brussels. This prestigious global event featured over 30 expert speakers from six continents, addressing critical issues such as legacy asbestos, disaster response, and international policy development.
Roger Willey’s Call to Action: Addressing Gaza’s Asbestos Disaster
One of the conference’s most impactful presentations was delivered by Professor Roger Willey, UKATA Director and CEO of ACS Risk, titled “Gaza: The Latest Disaster”. Professor Willey highlighted the devastating scale of asbestos contamination in Gaza, with an estimated 800,000 tonnes of rubble containing asbestos. He emphasised the immense challenges of cleanup and the urgent need for international support.
Roger called upon the audience to join UKATA in collaboration with EAF to establish a working group dedicated to developing a protocol to assist major bodies such as UNEP, the World Bank, and the European Union in reducing asbestos risks in Gaza. “This is a disaster of unprecedented scale,” Roger stated, “and we must act collectively to address it.”
UKATA invites experts with relevant knowledge and experience to join this vital working group. If you are interested in contributing to this initiative, please contact us.
Chris Bishop Explores Lessons from Beirut’s Asbestos Crisis
UKATA Director Chris Bishop delivered a powerful presentation titled “The Beirut Catastrophe – Another 9/11?” He examined the widespread asbestos contamination following the devastating explosion in Beirut’s port in 2020. Thousands of tonnes of asbestos-contaminated debris posed significant health risks to residents and cleanup teams. Chris detailed what the global community has learned from this disaster, underscoring the importance of preparedness, robust protocols, and international cooperation in responding to similar crises.
Exciting Announcements from EAF: A Global Vision for the Future
Dr. Yvonne Waterman, founder and president of EAF, made two announcements during the conference. The EAF Foundation will be rebranded as the Global Asbestos Forum (GAF) in 2025, marking a new chapter in its mission to foster international collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
In addition, Dr. Waterman unveiled plans to launch the Global Asbestos Forum Magazine in Spring 2025. This first-of-its-kind publication has already garnered significant interest and will feature stunning asbestos photography, case studies, expert articles, book reviews, and more. UKATA is proud to be one of the first sponsors of the magazine, reinforcing its commitment to raising global awareness and helping countries with little or no standards implement robust training structures.
Strengthening UKATA’s Global Reach
UKATA Chief Operating Officer, Craig Evans, Operations Manager Sasha Brailsford, and Board Director Adam Harding represented the association at the conference. They actively engaged with international organisations, forging new partnerships and strengthening UKATA’s position as a global leader in asbestos training and safety.
Reflecting on the event, Craig Evans said, “Attending the EAF Conference allows UKATA to champion the importance of accredited asbestos training and share best practices worldwide. Our involvement in initiatives like these ensures that we continue to make a significant impact on safety standards globally.”
Craig extended his gratitude to UKATA Directors Roger Willey and Chris Bishop for their insightful presentations, as well as UKATA member Wayne Bagnall, who delivered a session on “Legacy Asbestos in Concrete,” providing valuable guidance for professionals in the construction and demolition sectors.
UKATA’s Ongoing Commitment
UKATA remains dedicated to enhancing asbestos management standards worldwide. As a leading association, UKATA collaborates closely with its members to provide access to the latest information, training resources, and industry updates. Its membership includes a diverse range of organisations, from training providers to asbestos removal contractors and consultants.
The EAF Conference underscored the importance of international collaboration in tackling asbestos-related challenges. UKATA is proud to have played a central role in this year’s event and looks forward to continuing its work to protect workers and the public from the hazards of asbestos exposure.
Published on Monday 16th December 2024