HSE launches asbestos campaign

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a new campaign designed to increase awareness of the dangers of asbestos.

Called Asbestos: The Hidden Killer, the scheme will see the organisation talk directly about issues surrounding the material, as well as how workers can protect themselves from it through the use of personal protective equipment.

According to the body, asbestos is currently the cause of around 4,000 fatalities a year.

HSE inspector Steve Lewis said: 'While asbestos is the greatest single cause of work related deaths in the UK, it is present in many public buildings, and poses no threat whatsoever when it remains in a sealed or undisturbed state.

'Exposure to asbestos can only be prevented if the locations of asbestos materials are known.'

The HSE has just begun a two-week initiative to examine the workplaces of businesses based in Bradford.

Inspectors from the organisation will be looking at issues such as working at height, workplace transport and the guarding of equipment.

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