Kentec Training has today announced they are supporting a new national campaign by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in a bid to raise awareness about occupational lung disease within construction. The campaign which is backed by the UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) will run between 17th June and 12th July 2019.

Our Managing Director, Steve Booker commented:

"We are still experiencing the consequences of exposure to asbestos today, even as we reach the twenty year anniversary of asbestos being banned in the country. It is incredibly important to realise the risks of asbestos and what individuals can do to reduce their exposure and stay safe in their workplace. This is done through education, training and holding employers responsible for knowing the risks, planning working and using the right controls. We are pleased to support a campaign which helps raise awareness of this issue"

During the campaign, the HSE will be targeting firms across Great Britain in a new series of inspection focusing on dust control. The inspections will concentrate on industries such as construction, woodworking and food manufacturing where occupational lung diseases, including in some cases occupational cancers are more common. 

Inspectors will be visiting business across the country to see what measures have been put in place to protect worker's lungs from the likes of asbestos, silica, wood and flour dust. They will be looking for evidence of businesses and their workers knowing the risks, planning their work and using the right controls. Where necessary, HSE will use enforcement to make sure people are protected. 

UKATA's Chief Operating office, Craig Evans said:

"As a leading authority for asbestos training provision within the UK, we fully support this initiative by the HSE. Although 2019 markers 20 years since asbestos was banned in the UK, it is linked to around 5,000 deaths in the UK every year, of which 20 a week are attributed to tradespeople. I would like to thank Kentec Training for their support and backing of the HSE campaign to encourage a safe and healthier workplace."

For more information, visit the UKATA website. You can also follow the campaign on twitter at @H_S_E, on FaceBook @SaferSites, and on the HSE's LinkedIn Page.