Bosses urged to protect staff from industrial disease

Posted 20/07/2009

Companies in the UK have been told to minimise the chances of their workforce developing an industrial disease.

This week, former plumber Alan Ward succeeded in his compensation claim after he contracted an asbestos-related illness.

Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison, highlighted Mr Ward as an example of one of a growing number of people who are developing illnesses as a result of their work.

The 61-year-old used to work as a plumber across hospitals in West Yorkshire, during which time he was regularly exposed to asbestos.

“No amount can compensate him for what he is suffering,” Mr Prentis commented.

“Employers have to face up to their responsibilities to make sure they don’t put their workers at risk of injury or death.”

This follows the British Safety Council’s calls for a national audit of asbestos in schools to be carried out.

The organisation said it is “unacceptable” that a comprehensive risk assessment has not yet been carried out and urged the government to take immediate action on the issue.

Chief executive Brian Nimick added that if all traces of asbestos are not removed from schools, both teachers and pupils would be placed at risk.