As news of the latest compensation scheme for asbestos victims being inadequate hits the headlines, the UK Asbestos Training Association Ltd (UKATA) says only greater training can protect today’s workforce from the dangers of asbestos exposure.
The risks to human health posed by exposure to asbestos have been recognised for decades, yet despite being considered a historical problem, the fact is many buildings still contain the substance, putting workers tasked with removing it at risk – a risk that can be eliminated if well trained workers are called into tackle the problem but sadly can do nothing for those whose exposure to asbestos has blighted their lives.
“It remains a tragedy that so many people continue to suffer the effects of asbestos related diseases and this is being compounded by a difficulty in securing compensation,” said UKATA Technical and Operations Manager Terry Barker. ”Their suffering is behind UKATA’s determination to improve training for those working with asbestos. By ensuring those who qualify are in the best position to deal with asbestos, we are doing all we can to ensure these terrible disease with become a thing of the past and something we can consign to history.”
Inhaling asbestos causes the lung cancer mesothelioma, together with asbestosis and a range of other diseases. Yet the decision to compensate mesothelioma sufferers alone has caused controversy by effectively excluding other asbestos related illnesses, which make up 50% of those suffering from asbestos related diseases.
The compensation scheme is set to see insurers pay out over £300m over the next ten years but as the life expectancy of someone diagnosed is just 9-12 months, how many of these victims who will ever see any money is open to question. While UKATA supports asbestos charities and those seeking compensation, it does acknowledge the difficulties involved.
“The sad fact is that mesothelioma is the only disease that is easily linked with asbestos,” added Terry. “Establishing a link between asbestos and other illnesses it is known to cause can be difficult to prove; but it is surely right we do all we can to support asbestos victims now and with greater training, ensure we never again see workers suffering from these distressing conditions.
The realisation that combating asbestos remains a very real and present danger to workers has seen the need for the services of UKATA more widely recognised. As the UK’s leading authority on asbestos training, the association has seen its membership rocket from zero just a few years ago, to now having over 130 fee paying members with many more membership applications pending – a reflection that increasing numbers are taking the risks posed by asbestos more seriously than ever.
“Around 4,000 people a year still die from asbestos related illnesses in the UK,” added Terry. At UKATA, we are trying to get the message across that only training can change the way today’s workers operate so they don’t put there lives at unnecessary risk. Too few have been trained in how to safely handle asbestos and this is something that has to change.”
Forthcoming new legislation is likely to mean the demand for Training and Consultancy services offered by UKATA Members will only increase further. UKATA is always keen to talk to prospective Members who are 100% committed to the highest professional standards. For further information on UKATA, visit www.ukata.org.uk
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Various articles in the national press. See: The Observer, 19 August 2012.
Source of figures: NHS. See: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Lungcancer/Pages/Asbestosandlungcancer.aspx
Photograph & caption: UKATA Technical and Operations Manager Terry Barker
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Published on Tuesday 25th September 2012