UPDATE
H E A LT H T H RE AT
Asbestos remains a deadly threat, IOSH warns usinesses must do more to protect workers from exposure to asbestos, IOSH has warned. The call for action comes as it’s estimated the material kills more than 230,000 people per year globally – far exceeding the previous estimate of 107,000. Despite being banned in 55 countries, asbestos is still widely used, IOSH noted. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, which first
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published the estimate, also reported that more than two million tons of asbestos is consumed annually. And with 125 million people thought to be exposed to asbestos at work every year, deadly respiratory health impacts are predicted for generations to come, particularly in developing countries. When launching the asbestos phase of its No Time to Lose campaign in 2018, IOSH revealed a third of respondents
in a survey of tradespeople never checked the asbestos register before starting work on a new site – with half of those not even knowing there is an asbestos register. Almost one in five said if they discovered asbestos, they wouldn’t be clear about how to act. IOSH hopes its partnership with the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
will raise awareness and encourage more people to take precautions. To read more on this story, go to bit.ly/ asbestos-legacy-warning
For our story on shipbreaking, in which hazardous substances are endangering lives in countries including India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, turn to page 34.
H E LP F O R M EM BERS
Pain relief for ‘Molly’ from IOSH fund The story of a member suffering from chronic neck pain has highlighted the support and relief afforded by the IOSH Benevolent Fund. WHO? A Chartered Member for 15 years, ‘Molly’ worked from home as a corporate health and safety consultant, but her condition meant she needed a break every quarter of an hour. WHAT? After learning about the fund, Molly submitted an application late last year.
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THE RESULT: The funding she requested was granted, and within a month Molly was able
to invest in the equipment she needed to work more comfortably: a sit/stand desk, a chair and keyboard tray. NOW? Molly is now able to work for a full hour before
needing a break, thanks to being able to vary her posture more easily. WHAT MOLLY SAID: ‘Without doubt, this has been a real boost to my mental health, as well as my career. I would have carried on without the support I got from the fund, but it would have taken me a long time before I could’ve afforded to buy the items I needed to make my workstation more comfortable.’ Find out more about the IOSH Benevolent Fund at bit.ly/iosh-benevolent-fund
JULY/AUGUST 2021 | IOSHMAGAZINE.COM
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