HSE to hold asbestos presentation

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced it is to hold a presentation on asbestos for students in Plymouth tomorrow (November 21st).

It is planning to show pupils at the City of Plymouth College a DVD about the issue and give them a chance to interview someone affected by the material.

The event is being held as part of the organisation's 'Hidden Killer' campaign, which is designed to highlight the dangers of asbestos and the importance of issues such as personal protective equipment.

Helen Ratcliffe, head of the HSE's chemical carcinogens and asbestos policy unit, said it was vital young people are aware of the problem.

She added: 'Exposure to asbestos is the biggest single cause of work-related deaths, with around 4,000 people a year dying from asbestos-related disease.'

Recent research by trade union Ucatt, which also highlighted the importance of protective workwear, found that over 70 construction deaths occurred in the UK during 2007-08.

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