February 4, 2002—In a submission to the Health and Safety Commission on new asbestos regulations, the UKs Trades Union Congress (TUC) calls for a public register of the asbestos in British buildings, such as homes, hospitals, schools and other workplaces.
According to the TUC, the public and workers have a right to know where there is asbestos in the 850,000 commercial premises, 400,000 flats and 150,000 houses. The public register proposed should be freely accessible.
TUC general secretary John Monks said: “Every year, 4,500 people die from asbestos-related diseases in Great Britain, and the main source of exposure in the future will be from the decay and disturbance of asbestos in premises across the UK.”
He also commented on the HSC proposal: “We welcome in particular the provisions for union safety reps to be involved in the management of asbestos risks, and will be producing guidance for safety reps on how to make the most of the opportunities presented by the Regulations.”
“In the long run, all asbestos in all British buildings needs to be removed. As a start, however, the regulations proposed by the Commission should be brought into force without delay.”
—Jessica Jarlvi
Reprinted with permission; copyright 2002 i-FM
