TUC Risks 20th September
A company boss whose firm used deadly silica despite the process being banned for 58 years has received a £26,000 fine but has escaped jail.
Andrew Thomson, trading as Thomson Sandblast, of Great Harwood, was also ordered to pay £24,000 costs and was told that magistrates had considered a custodial sentence.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the company after receiving a complaint that sand containing free silica was being used for the dry sand blasting of vehicles. Blasting of articles using sand containing free silica has been banned since 1950 and can lead to silicosis, which is progressive, irreversible and can continue to develop after exposure ceases. It is also a known cause of occupational cancer and autoimmune diseases.
The firm was issued an HSE prohibition notice on 29 June 2006, requiring an end to sandblasting without adequate breathing protection for workers. When inspectors revisited the firm in February 2007 they found the notice had been ignored. HSE principal inspector Dorothy Shaw commented: 'When the premises were visited the general conditions were found to be poor. Vehicles were being dry blasted using what was suspected to be sand in a building that was not fully enclosed or had a filtered extraction unit. The respiratory protection equipment being used was in poor condition putting employees at risk from silicosis, which is a chronic obstructive, pulmonary disease characterised by breathlessness and a chronic cough.' She added: 'The dry blasting of vehicles with sand containing silica and the non compliance of enforcement notices are regarded as very serious matters by the HSE. When passing sentence on Mr Thomson, the magistrates commented that there had been a complete disregard for health and safety and that they had considered a custodial sentence.'
Friday, 3 October 2008
The asbestos industry's deadly lies
TUC Risks August 30th 2008
The deaths of tens of thousands of UK workers from asbestos disease was not an unanticipated tragedy, but resulted from a sophisticated political and public relations campaign to prolong the use of the deadly fibre.
Ed Howker, writing in the New Stateman, reveals the extent of the support asbestos giant Turner and Newall (T&N) received from government officials and politicians.
One government medical adviser is recorded as advising T&N to keep quiet about the cancer dangers of their product.
In correspondence between two directors of the plant, the opinion of Professor Archie Cochrane, director of epidemiology at the Medical Research Council, was noted: 'In tackling a problem of this nature [mesothelioma] one should either be completely frank with everyone or maintain complete secrecy - it is the latter that he feels is best at the moment.' To assist in the cover up, the company employed public relation firm Hill and Knowlton, credited with writing the playbook on 'product defence' in its highly effective defence of the tobacco industry.
In 1968, T&N circulated a confidential five-point plan prepared by Hill and Knowlton entitled 'Putting the case for asbestos.' Its purpose was to enable staff to field questions about asbestos cancer. It began, in capital letters: 'Never be the first to raise the health question.'
The government, meanwhile, brushed aside health concerns, fearing a risk to jobs. The company also had the loyal support of then Rochdale MP Cyril Smith, a sometime company shareholder who claimed in the Commons to be basing his comments on his own detailed research, but who in fact had asked T&N to draft a speech delivered in the House. The New Statesman article brings the story up to the moment, revealing how a bankruptcy ruse and other company manoeuvring continue to deny its asbestos disease victims the compensation they are due.
The deaths of tens of thousands of UK workers from asbestos disease was not an unanticipated tragedy, but resulted from a sophisticated political and public relations campaign to prolong the use of the deadly fibre.
Ed Howker, writing in the New Stateman, reveals the extent of the support asbestos giant Turner and Newall (T&N) received from government officials and politicians.
One government medical adviser is recorded as advising T&N to keep quiet about the cancer dangers of their product.
In correspondence between two directors of the plant, the opinion of Professor Archie Cochrane, director of epidemiology at the Medical Research Council, was noted: 'In tackling a problem of this nature [mesothelioma] one should either be completely frank with everyone or maintain complete secrecy - it is the latter that he feels is best at the moment.' To assist in the cover up, the company employed public relation firm Hill and Knowlton, credited with writing the playbook on 'product defence' in its highly effective defence of the tobacco industry.
In 1968, T&N circulated a confidential five-point plan prepared by Hill and Knowlton entitled 'Putting the case for asbestos.' Its purpose was to enable staff to field questions about asbestos cancer. It began, in capital letters: 'Never be the first to raise the health question.'
The government, meanwhile, brushed aside health concerns, fearing a risk to jobs. The company also had the loyal support of then Rochdale MP Cyril Smith, a sometime company shareholder who claimed in the Commons to be basing his comments on his own detailed research, but who in fact had asked T&N to draft a speech delivered in the House. The New Statesman article brings the story up to the moment, revealing how a bankruptcy ruse and other company manoeuvring continue to deny its asbestos disease victims the compensation they are due.
Council's school asbestos warning
TUC Risks August 23rd
Denbighshire County Council could face prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) if it fails to deal safely with asbestos in Prestatyn High School.
The council has suspended a staff member after an attempt to remove asbestos failed to meet HSE standards. The watchdog has ordered that the work must be completed by the end of September. The local authority said action was being taken and the work would not affect pupils and staff returning to school at the beginning of September.
The work relates to asbestos pipe cladding at the school. An HSE spokesperson said: 'There is an improvement notice on the removal of asbestos at Prestatyn High School. It was issued on June 27. There is a compliance date for the work to be completed by the end of September.
If the council fails to do so it is a criminal offence, and it could face prosecution.' A council spokesperson confirmed an HSE improvement notice had been served, adding: 'An action plan is already being implemented and we shall be meeting the HSE to ensure compliance with their requirements.' She said 'that a member of staff has been suspended pending the results of an internal investigation.' Earlier this year, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) called on the government to carry out a survey of all UK schools to check whether asbestos is present.
Denbighshire County Council could face prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) if it fails to deal safely with asbestos in Prestatyn High School.
The council has suspended a staff member after an attempt to remove asbestos failed to meet HSE standards. The watchdog has ordered that the work must be completed by the end of September. The local authority said action was being taken and the work would not affect pupils and staff returning to school at the beginning of September.
The work relates to asbestos pipe cladding at the school. An HSE spokesperson said: 'There is an improvement notice on the removal of asbestos at Prestatyn High School. It was issued on June 27. There is a compliance date for the work to be completed by the end of September.
If the council fails to do so it is a criminal offence, and it could face prosecution.' A council spokesperson confirmed an HSE improvement notice had been served, adding: 'An action plan is already being implemented and we shall be meeting the HSE to ensure compliance with their requirements.' She said 'that a member of staff has been suspended pending the results of an internal investigation.' Earlier this year, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) called on the government to carry out a survey of all UK schools to check whether asbestos is present.
Canada: How to kill a UN convention
TUC Risks August 23rd 2008 accused Canada of trying to kill a UN convention.
The Rotterdam Convention gives countries the right to be informed about, and to refuse, extremely hazardous chemicals and pesticides. For more than two years, the committee has called for chrysotile asbestos (white asbestos - the only form used in the world today) to be put on this 'prior informed consent' list. It meets every criterion in the convention, but in 2006, Canada brought the convention to its knees by blocking a consensus for chrysotile asbestos to go on the list.
Human rights activists are calling for Canada to stop acting like a rogue state and instead allow chrysotile asbestos to be listed under the Rotterdam Convention.
The Rotterdam Convention gives countries the right to be informed about, and to refuse, extremely hazardous chemicals and pesticides. For more than two years, the committee has called for chrysotile asbestos (white asbestos - the only form used in the world today) to be put on this 'prior informed consent' list. It meets every criterion in the convention, but in 2006, Canada brought the convention to its knees by blocking a consensus for chrysotile asbestos to go on the list.
Human rights activists are calling for Canada to stop acting like a rogue state and instead allow chrysotile asbestos to be listed under the Rotterdam Convention.
Essex companies exposed workers to asbestos risk
TUC Risks 16th August reported that two companies in Essex have been fined after workers in their employment were exposed to asbestos containing materials.
R Maskell Ltd of Loughton was fined £150,000 with costs of £30,000 at Ipswich Crown Court while LCH Contracts Ltd of Billericay was fined £70,000 and costs of £13,821.
Both companies pleaded guilty to breaches of Regulation 15 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002.
In 2005 R Maskell was carrying out refurbishment work and had, after discovering asbestos, sub-contracted LCH Contracts to carry out asbestos removal at St Francis Tower, Ipswich.
When HSE inspectors visited the site to inspect asbestos removal work taking place, they became very concerned over the state of the building, as there was debris on floors and in black sacks on most floors of the 15 storey tower block and some appeared to be asbestos containing materials (ACMs).
The HSE investigation found the building to be contaminated with ACMs and evidence was found that asbestos insulation board (AIB) had not been removed following adequate safety procedures.
HSE Inspector, Nicola Surrey said, "Every year 1000 people who worked in building maintenance and repair trades die from past exposures to asbestos fibres. The exposure of employees from R Maskell Ltd and LCH Contracts Ltd to asbestos could and should have been avoided by straightforward safety precautions. HSE will not hesitate to take action against those who fall short of the law in such a way. Asbestos must be properly managed to prevent people dying from asbestos diseases in the future. If you are responsible for managing the maintenance and repair of a building, you must manage any asbestos in it. HSE has provided guidance to help people understand what they have to do to comply with their legal obligations."
R Maskell Ltd of Loughton was fined £150,000 with costs of £30,000 at Ipswich Crown Court while LCH Contracts Ltd of Billericay was fined £70,000 and costs of £13,821.
Both companies pleaded guilty to breaches of Regulation 15 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002.
In 2005 R Maskell was carrying out refurbishment work and had, after discovering asbestos, sub-contracted LCH Contracts to carry out asbestos removal at St Francis Tower, Ipswich.
When HSE inspectors visited the site to inspect asbestos removal work taking place, they became very concerned over the state of the building, as there was debris on floors and in black sacks on most floors of the 15 storey tower block and some appeared to be asbestos containing materials (ACMs).
The HSE investigation found the building to be contaminated with ACMs and evidence was found that asbestos insulation board (AIB) had not been removed following adequate safety procedures.
HSE Inspector, Nicola Surrey said, "Every year 1000 people who worked in building maintenance and repair trades die from past exposures to asbestos fibres. The exposure of employees from R Maskell Ltd and LCH Contracts Ltd to asbestos could and should have been avoided by straightforward safety precautions. HSE will not hesitate to take action against those who fall short of the law in such a way. Asbestos must be properly managed to prevent people dying from asbestos diseases in the future. If you are responsible for managing the maintenance and repair of a building, you must manage any asbestos in it. HSE has provided guidance to help people understand what they have to do to comply with their legal obligations."
Asbestos report withheld for giving wrong view
TUC Risks August 16th 2008 reported that the Canadian Government is withholding a damning report on asbestos on the eve of an international conference at which Canada plans to defend its export of the carcinogen.
The report was commissioned by 'Health Canada' to support the Conservative government's long-standing fight to keep chrysotile asbestos off a UN watch list, a position federal officials plan to argue at a convention in Rome this October. But, according to 'The Star', members of an expert panel that produced the $100,000 report say the findings justify a ban on production and use in Canada.
Health Minister Tony Clement commissioned the report last year to determine the relative carcinogenic potency of chrysotile asbestos, which is linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma, which this week lead to the death of British MP John MacDougall. The panel's findings were made final in March but have yet to be released. A Health Canada spokesman said in an email the department is reviewing the report to "help further its knowledge of chrysotile asbestos fibres in relation to human health ... (and the report) will be made available to the public after the department has reviewed the findings."The panel was originally criticised by opposition parties because it was believed some of its members were so-called asbestos supporters, however the report seems to back the position of asbestos campaigners world-wide. That asbestos of all kinds are a killer.
New Democrat MP Pat Martin, a supporter of a Canadian ban on asbestos, said "They want the world to believe that Quebec asbestos is somehow magically benign. ... It's cowardly and it's the very antithesis of transparency and accountability." At a UN convention in 2006, the Canadian government successfully blocked a decision by more than 100 governments that would have required all exporters to label the product as hazardous. There is only one mine still producing chrysotile asbestos in Canada which produced 13,000 tonnes in July, a four-year high. Global consumption has increased almost 25 per cent in the last five years as a result of demand in developing countries such as India.
The report was commissioned by 'Health Canada' to support the Conservative government's long-standing fight to keep chrysotile asbestos off a UN watch list, a position federal officials plan to argue at a convention in Rome this October. But, according to 'The Star', members of an expert panel that produced the $100,000 report say the findings justify a ban on production and use in Canada.
Health Minister Tony Clement commissioned the report last year to determine the relative carcinogenic potency of chrysotile asbestos, which is linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma, which this week lead to the death of British MP John MacDougall. The panel's findings were made final in March but have yet to be released. A Health Canada spokesman said in an email the department is reviewing the report to "help further its knowledge of chrysotile asbestos fibres in relation to human health ... (and the report) will be made available to the public after the department has reviewed the findings."The panel was originally criticised by opposition parties because it was believed some of its members were so-called asbestos supporters, however the report seems to back the position of asbestos campaigners world-wide. That asbestos of all kinds are a killer.
New Democrat MP Pat Martin, a supporter of a Canadian ban on asbestos, said "They want the world to believe that Quebec asbestos is somehow magically benign. ... It's cowardly and it's the very antithesis of transparency and accountability." At a UN convention in 2006, the Canadian government successfully blocked a decision by more than 100 governments that would have required all exporters to label the product as hazardous. There is only one mine still producing chrysotile asbestos in Canada which produced 13,000 tonnes in July, a four-year high. Global consumption has increased almost 25 per cent in the last five years as a result of demand in developing countries such as India.
Asbestos in schools and hospital
Bedford Today, 25 September 2008 reported that asbestos had been found in 192, (almost 90 per cent) of schools across the county and in Bedford Hospital.
Teachers and hopsital workers exposed to asbestos fibres have a high incidence of deaths from asbestos related diseases.
A spokesman for Bedford Hospital, confirmed there was asbestos at Bedford Hospital. He said: "A number of buildings at Bedford Hospital contain asbestos which is well managed and closely monitored in line with the 'Control of Asbestos Regulations' (Health & Safety Executive, 2006)."
To read the full story please click on the link below:
http://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/bed-news/Asbestos-in-schools-warning.4527267.jp
Teachers and hopsital workers exposed to asbestos fibres have a high incidence of deaths from asbestos related diseases.
A spokesman for Bedford Hospital, confirmed there was asbestos at Bedford Hospital. He said: "A number of buildings at Bedford Hospital contain asbestos which is well managed and closely monitored in line with the 'Control of Asbestos Regulations' (Health & Safety Executive, 2006)."
To read the full story please click on the link below:
http://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/bed-news/Asbestos-in-schools-warning.4527267.jp
Cyril Smith accused of being part of asbestos cover up
Rochdale on Line 28th August 2008 reported that former MP Sir Cyril Smith had lobbied on behalf of the world's largest asbestos factory, Turner and Newall.
Smithe tried to help the Rochdale based company to supress knowledge of the dangers of asbestos.
An article in the New Statesman magazine reveals that Rochdale's former MP wrote to the head of personnel at T&N during a summer political recess in 1981 to tell him that the House would debate EEC regulations on asbestos in the next parliamentary session and asked what the factory would like him to say
The letter reads: "Could you please, within the next eight weeks, let me have the speech you would like to make (were you able to!), in that debate?" The T&N draft response is almost identical to what the Rochdale MP said in his house of commons speech, which stressed the need for less regulation on asbestos and that other products should be approached 'with caution'.
Sir Cyril said: "The public at large are not at risk. It is necessary to say that time and time again." T&N exposed millions to asbestos fibres in full knowledge of the dangers and used Sir Cyril to cover a truth that it had secretly admitted to in 1961, namely that "the only really safe number of asbestos fibres in the works environment is nil".
To read the full account click on the link below
http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/print/13421
Smithe tried to help the Rochdale based company to supress knowledge of the dangers of asbestos.
An article in the New Statesman magazine reveals that Rochdale's former MP wrote to the head of personnel at T&N during a summer political recess in 1981 to tell him that the House would debate EEC regulations on asbestos in the next parliamentary session and asked what the factory would like him to say
The letter reads: "Could you please, within the next eight weeks, let me have the speech you would like to make (were you able to!), in that debate?" The T&N draft response is almost identical to what the Rochdale MP said in his house of commons speech, which stressed the need for less regulation on asbestos and that other products should be approached 'with caution'.
Sir Cyril said: "The public at large are not at risk. It is necessary to say that time and time again." T&N exposed millions to asbestos fibres in full knowledge of the dangers and used Sir Cyril to cover a truth that it had secretly admitted to in 1961, namely that "the only really safe number of asbestos fibres in the works environment is nil".
To read the full account click on the link below
http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/print/13421
Legal challenge to French warship dismantling in Britain
AFP Sep 3, 2008
Environmental campaigners are to go to court to try to stop an asbestos-contaminated French aircraft carrier from being broken up in Britain.
The 32,700-tonne Clemenceau has spent the past five years being moved around the globe as officials tried to find a final resting place for the vessel, which contains 700 tonnes of asbestos.
The 51-year-old vessel was towed to India in a failed bid to have it dismantled there before it was announced in July that she will be scrapped by British company Able UK in Hartlepool, northeast England, after it was granted a waste management licence by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Campaigner Iris Ryder said the Friends of Hartlepool group had lodged a High Court challenge to the decision to bring the ship to Britain from its current base in Brest, western France.
"Today's legal challenge is the beginning of a new stage in the fight by Hartlepool residents to prevent our community from becoming the international toxic waste dumping ground of choice of both governments and polluting industries," she said.
"The Clemenceau was considered too toxic to be broken and dumped in India and Turkey and was even refused permission to be towed through the Suez Canal on its voyage of shame back to France.
A HSE spokesman confirmed that a legal challenge had been lodged.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iPEWt24Fayg03gKJo9jobwjoA3NQ
Environmental campaigners are to go to court to try to stop an asbestos-contaminated French aircraft carrier from being broken up in Britain.
The 32,700-tonne Clemenceau has spent the past five years being moved around the globe as officials tried to find a final resting place for the vessel, which contains 700 tonnes of asbestos.
The 51-year-old vessel was towed to India in a failed bid to have it dismantled there before it was announced in July that she will be scrapped by British company Able UK in Hartlepool, northeast England, after it was granted a waste management licence by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Campaigner Iris Ryder said the Friends of Hartlepool group had lodged a High Court challenge to the decision to bring the ship to Britain from its current base in Brest, western France.
"Today's legal challenge is the beginning of a new stage in the fight by Hartlepool residents to prevent our community from becoming the international toxic waste dumping ground of choice of both governments and polluting industries," she said.
"The Clemenceau was considered too toxic to be broken and dumped in India and Turkey and was even refused permission to be towed through the Suez Canal on its voyage of shame back to France.
A HSE spokesman confirmed that a legal challenge had been lodged.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iPEWt24Fayg03gKJo9jobwjoA3NQ
‘Sandwich panels’ as deadly as asbestos
Property Week .com 29.08.08 reported that the construction industry could be facing huge costs to remove a commonly used substance when demolishing buildings after experts warned it was as hazardous as asbestos.
CA Group, a UK industrial buildings manufacturer, said foam insulation ‘sandwich panels’ that are used in many buildings posed an environmental hazard risk and a pollution threat to the water table, and their removal would financially hit the property industry.
Brian Watson, commercial director at CA Group, said the project removal costs would affect funders, owners, manufacturers, specifiers and demolition contractors because the removal would be ‘massive and expensive’.
However, it is unclear who would be required to pay the clean-up costs. Watson said foam panels could no longer be disposed through crushing or burning but must conform to the same costly recycling regulations as refrigerators.
CA Group estimates that removal costs range between £1/sq ft to nearly £3/sq ft and, ‘when multiplied by the quantities of foam that hides in roofs and walls nationwide, runs into the billions’.
http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=274&storycode=3121081&c=3
CA Group, a UK industrial buildings manufacturer, said foam insulation ‘sandwich panels’ that are used in many buildings posed an environmental hazard risk and a pollution threat to the water table, and their removal would financially hit the property industry.
Brian Watson, commercial director at CA Group, said the project removal costs would affect funders, owners, manufacturers, specifiers and demolition contractors because the removal would be ‘massive and expensive’.
However, it is unclear who would be required to pay the clean-up costs. Watson said foam panels could no longer be disposed through crushing or burning but must conform to the same costly recycling regulations as refrigerators.
CA Group estimates that removal costs range between £1/sq ft to nearly £3/sq ft and, ‘when multiplied by the quantities of foam that hides in roofs and walls nationwide, runs into the billions’.
http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=274&storycode=3121081&c=3
Dead MP was suing government over asbestos
Dunfermline Press 28th August 2008
AN ASBESTOS support group hopes the tragic death of former Rosyth Dockyard worker and MP John MacDougall will force a change of heart from the UK Government on compensation awards.
Labour MP Mr MacDougall (60) was suing his own Government over his terminal lung cancer at the time of his death.
He believed the cause of the incurable mesothelioma was exposure to asbestos when he was working at the dockyard in the 1960s.
His friend, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, paid tribute to Mr MacDougall at the funeral and described his illness as a “cruel legacy”.
Defence secretary Des Browne and a predecessor in that role, John Reid, were also present.
However, it has now emerged that Mr MacDougall launched a court action against the Ministry of Defence in November after the Government turned down his request for £300,000 in compensation.
And whereas the Scottish Government is bringing forward legislation to help workers suffering from asbestos-related conditions, the same is not true at Westminster, where Mr MacDougall served for seven years.
The campaign group Clydeside Action on Asbestos will give evidence at the Scottish Parliament next week in a bid to make it easier for victims to claim.
In June, the Government at Holyrood unveiled a new bill aimed at entitling anyone in Scotland to raise an action if they contract pleural plaques.
The move would overturn a House of Lords ruling last year that workers were not entitled to compensation because the condition itself is not a disease.
To read the full stroy please click on the link below:
http://www.dunfermlinepress.com/articles/1/27840
AN ASBESTOS support group hopes the tragic death of former Rosyth Dockyard worker and MP John MacDougall will force a change of heart from the UK Government on compensation awards.
Labour MP Mr MacDougall (60) was suing his own Government over his terminal lung cancer at the time of his death.
He believed the cause of the incurable mesothelioma was exposure to asbestos when he was working at the dockyard in the 1960s.
His friend, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, paid tribute to Mr MacDougall at the funeral and described his illness as a “cruel legacy”.
Defence secretary Des Browne and a predecessor in that role, John Reid, were also present.
However, it has now emerged that Mr MacDougall launched a court action against the Ministry of Defence in November after the Government turned down his request for £300,000 in compensation.
And whereas the Scottish Government is bringing forward legislation to help workers suffering from asbestos-related conditions, the same is not true at Westminster, where Mr MacDougall served for seven years.
The campaign group Clydeside Action on Asbestos will give evidence at the Scottish Parliament next week in a bid to make it easier for victims to claim.
In June, the Government at Holyrood unveiled a new bill aimed at entitling anyone in Scotland to raise an action if they contract pleural plaques.
The move would overturn a House of Lords ruling last year that workers were not entitled to compensation because the condition itself is not a disease.
To read the full stroy please click on the link below:
http://www.dunfermlinepress.com/articles/1/27840
HMS Intrepid final voyage to be recycled in Liverpool
September 18th 2008 , IC Liverpool reported that the first warship to be recycled in the UK for more than a decade doccked in Liverpool.
HMS Intrepid, a Royal navy ship which saw service in the Falklands sailed Canada Graving Dock, where it will be dismantles over the next five months.
Ninety five percent of the material on board will be recycled though the union UNITE expressed concerns about safety conditions and the presence of asbestos on board.
It is hoped that this will be the first of many such projects at the Liverpool facility and that many more ships will be broken up responsibly. The Royal Navy has disposed of the waste on board apart from a small amount of asbestos which remains within the frame of the ship and which the yard can handle.
To read the full story please click on the link below:
http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_headline=hms-intrepid-final-voyage-to-be-recycled-in-liverpool&method=full&objectid=21846498&siteid=50061-name_page.html
HMS Intrepid, a Royal navy ship which saw service in the Falklands sailed Canada Graving Dock, where it will be dismantles over the next five months.
Ninety five percent of the material on board will be recycled though the union UNITE expressed concerns about safety conditions and the presence of asbestos on board.
It is hoped that this will be the first of many such projects at the Liverpool facility and that many more ships will be broken up responsibly. The Royal Navy has disposed of the waste on board apart from a small amount of asbestos which remains within the frame of the ship and which the yard can handle.
To read the full story please click on the link below:
http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_headline=hms-intrepid-final-voyage-to-be-recycled-in-liverpool&method=full&objectid=21846498&siteid=50061-name_page.html
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
The patron saint of charlatans is again spreading dangerous misinformation
Writing in the Guardian on 23rd September 2008, columnist George Monbiot takes the Telegraph columnsit Christopher Booker to task over his misleading articles, (38 of them so far), where he claims that chrysotile asbestos, (white asbestos) is safe.
He wrote 'Mr Booker champions the work of John Bridle, who has described himself as "the world's foremost authority on asbestos science". Bridle has claimed to possess an honorary professorship from the Russian Academy of Sciences, to be a consultant to an institute at the University of Glamorgan, the chief asbestos consultant for an asbestos centre in Lisbon, and a consultant to Vale of Glamorgan trading standards department. None of these claims is true. Neither the institute at the University of Glamorgan nor the centre in Lisbon have ever existed. His only relationship with the Glamorgan trading standards department is to have been successfully prosecuted by it for claiming a qualification he does not possess.'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/sep/23/controversiesinscience.health
He wrote 'Mr Booker champions the work of John Bridle, who has described himself as "the world's foremost authority on asbestos science". Bridle has claimed to possess an honorary professorship from the Russian Academy of Sciences, to be a consultant to an institute at the University of Glamorgan, the chief asbestos consultant for an asbestos centre in Lisbon, and a consultant to Vale of Glamorgan trading standards department. None of these claims is true. Neither the institute at the University of Glamorgan nor the centre in Lisbon have ever existed. His only relationship with the Glamorgan trading standards department is to have been successfully prosecuted by it for claiming a qualification he does not possess.'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/sep/23/controversiesinscience.health
Monday, 28 July 2008
Probe into 'dangerous' housing association
TUC Risks 12th July reported that an official investigation has been launched into union claims that a housing association flouted rules on handling deadly asbestos.
William Whalen, an official with the construction union UCATT, presented a petition at a drama filled meeting of Carlisle City Council last week calling for Carlisle Housing Association to be wound up and its 6,140 homes handed back to the council.
He produced a lump of asbestos, safely wrapped, and brandished it at councillors. Mr Whalen said: 'This is asbestos taken from one of the houses. It was swept up with a shovel, thrown onto a flat wagon and taken to a dump. If that's not dangerous, I don't know what is.'
The union officer added: 'It shows the [lack of] care this housing association has for its employees and the people of this city.' Councillor Ray Bloxham, the environmental portfolio holder, told the meeting an investigation would be launched.
Mr Whalen failed to persuade councillors to reverse the transfer of council houses to Carlisle Housing Association that took place in 2002, after a council official said legal, financial and contractual issues would make the reversal of the housing transfer 'non feasible'. Mr Whalen said he intended to raise the issue at the autumn Labour Party conference. He said: 'I will be asking Gordon Brown to investigate this
William Whalen, an official with the construction union UCATT, presented a petition at a drama filled meeting of Carlisle City Council last week calling for Carlisle Housing Association to be wound up and its 6,140 homes handed back to the council.
He produced a lump of asbestos, safely wrapped, and brandished it at councillors. Mr Whalen said: 'This is asbestos taken from one of the houses. It was swept up with a shovel, thrown onto a flat wagon and taken to a dump. If that's not dangerous, I don't know what is.'
The union officer added: 'It shows the [lack of] care this housing association has for its employees and the people of this city.' Councillor Ray Bloxham, the environmental portfolio holder, told the meeting an investigation would be launched.
Mr Whalen failed to persuade councillors to reverse the transfer of council houses to Carlisle Housing Association that took place in 2002, after a council official said legal, financial and contractual issues would make the reversal of the housing transfer 'non feasible'. Mr Whalen said he intended to raise the issue at the autumn Labour Party conference. He said: 'I will be asking Gordon Brown to investigate this
Jail for asbestos dumpers
RISKS 21ST June 2008, reported that two men have been jailed for a £1.2 million flytipping scam which saw thousands of tonnes of hazardous waste including asbestos dumped at bogus construction sites emblazoned with mock health and safety notices.
James Kelleher, from Dagenham and Patrick Anderson, from the Irish Republic, were accused of dumping over 14,600 tonnes of waste - the equivalent of 750 lorry loads - at 15 sites in London and Essex.
Kelleher, 40, and Anderson, 51, were sentenced to 14 months and 22 months respectively, for conspiracy to unlawfully deposit controlled waste.
Mr Justice Philpott ordered the men to spend half their sentences in custody and half on licence.
For the first time, the Environment Agency employed forensic techniques used in other criminal cases - financial and handwriting analysis - to make the link between payments, lorries and people. The techniques were needed because the scam was highly sophisticated, including the use of false identities.
Kelleher and Anderson broke in to waste ground awaiting development, where they put up hoardings with fictitious company names, health and safety notices and a mobile phone number for members of the public to call if the so-called construction work bothered them. The pair wore reflective jackets, hard hats and carried surveying equipment. Behind the official-looking exterior, however, there was no construction work - just more tipping.
James Kelleher, from Dagenham and Patrick Anderson, from the Irish Republic, were accused of dumping over 14,600 tonnes of waste - the equivalent of 750 lorry loads - at 15 sites in London and Essex.
Kelleher, 40, and Anderson, 51, were sentenced to 14 months and 22 months respectively, for conspiracy to unlawfully deposit controlled waste.
Mr Justice Philpott ordered the men to spend half their sentences in custody and half on licence.
For the first time, the Environment Agency employed forensic techniques used in other criminal cases - financial and handwriting analysis - to make the link between payments, lorries and people. The techniques were needed because the scam was highly sophisticated, including the use of false identities.
Kelleher and Anderson broke in to waste ground awaiting development, where they put up hoardings with fictitious company names, health and safety notices and a mobile phone number for members of the public to call if the so-called construction work bothered them. The pair wore reflective jackets, hard hats and carried surveying equipment. Behind the official-looking exterior, however, there was no construction work - just more tipping.
RELEASE OF ASBESTOS FIBRES IN SYSTEM BUILT SCHOOLS
Asbestos in Schools, 25th June reported that twenty years ago the ILEA found slamming a door five times in a "System build" school in Wandsworth resulted in measurements of asbestos 33 times higher than the Clearance level a safety limit set by the Health and Safety Executive. Advice was given nationally but little effective action taken. In July 2006 the problem was rediscovered in many schools.
The asbestos present in such schools and the lack of action has left a 20 year legacy of exposure of children and teachers that could and should have been avoided and is embarassing to the HSE, local councils and the Government. The legacy includes many schools today with asbestos that has had twenty years and, at times, more than fifty years in which to deteriorate and so is no longer "in good condition" - a prerequisite for the safe management of asbestos.
Children are more susceptible to asbestos fibres than adults but HSE standards are set for adults so, for instance, HSE standards for reoccupation of schools after an asbestos incident is the "Clearance Level" - a level that ILEA asbestos working group say "is very dangerous for children" and the 2006 Control of Asbestos Regulations state: “........ should be taken only as a transient indication of site cleanliness .. and is not an acceptable permanent level”
The asbestos present in such schools and the lack of action has left a 20 year legacy of exposure of children and teachers that could and should have been avoided and is embarassing to the HSE, local councils and the Government. The legacy includes many schools today with asbestos that has had twenty years and, at times, more than fifty years in which to deteriorate and so is no longer "in good condition" - a prerequisite for the safe management of asbestos.
Children are more susceptible to asbestos fibres than adults but HSE standards are set for adults so, for instance, HSE standards for reoccupation of schools after an asbestos incident is the "Clearance Level" - a level that ILEA asbestos working group say "is very dangerous for children" and the 2006 Control of Asbestos Regulations state: “........ should be taken only as a transient indication of site cleanliness .. and is not an acceptable permanent level”
USA: Watchdog complicit as firms bury victims
Risks July 19th reported that the US system for measuring workplace safety is flawed and misses up to half of all workplace injuries, according to a report presented last week at a hearing on OSHA, the federal agency charged with protecting workers' safety and health.
The committee report said both employers and OSHA have incentives to report and use faulty data. The fewer injuries and illnesses an employer reports, the less likely the employer will be inspected by OSHA and the more likely it will pay lower premiums for workers' compensation.
Bob Whitmore, former chief of the OSHA recordkeeping division, is highly critical of the safety watchdog. 'I contend that the current OSHA injury and illness information is inaccurate, due in part to the wide scale underreporting by employers and OSHA's willingness to accept these falsified numbers,' he said. 'There are many reasons why OSHA would accept these numbers, but one important institutional factor has dramatically affected the agency: steady annual declines in the number of workplace injuries and illnesses make it appear that OSHA is fulfilling its mission.' OSHA has dramatically reduced its enforcement programme, instead promoting a series of voluntary approaches, including industry 'alliances' and 'voluntary protection programmes'.
The committee report said both employers and OSHA have incentives to report and use faulty data. The fewer injuries and illnesses an employer reports, the less likely the employer will be inspected by OSHA and the more likely it will pay lower premiums for workers' compensation.
Bob Whitmore, former chief of the OSHA recordkeeping division, is highly critical of the safety watchdog. 'I contend that the current OSHA injury and illness information is inaccurate, due in part to the wide scale underreporting by employers and OSHA's willingness to accept these falsified numbers,' he said. 'There are many reasons why OSHA would accept these numbers, but one important institutional factor has dramatically affected the agency: steady annual declines in the number of workplace injuries and illnesses make it appear that OSHA is fulfilling its mission.' OSHA has dramatically reduced its enforcement programme, instead promoting a series of voluntary approaches, including industry 'alliances' and 'voluntary protection programmes'.
Asbestos lorry smash shuts road
The A 127, London to Southend road was closed at Laindon for seven hours on 23rd June when a heavy goods vehicle ran into the back of another lorry, knocking a metal container holding 14 tonnes of asbestos off its trailer and shedding the contents over the road.
Top medical journal backs nano precaution
Risks 12th July reported that Lancet Oncology, one of the world's top cancer journals, has called for the precautionary principle to be used when dealing with nanotechnologies.
Responding to research this year that suggested a possible mesothelioma risk from exposure to carbon nanotubes an editorial in the July edition of the journal says until 'knowledge has caught up with the technological advances, it would be wise to invoke the Precautionary Principle to ensure health and safety measures are sufficiently rigorous to decrease the possibility of health risks to industry workers.' The editorial continues: 'These actions would prevent a repetition of the pitiful response seen in the 20th century to evidence linking asbestos with various lung diseases.
Responding to research this year that suggested a possible mesothelioma risk from exposure to carbon nanotubes an editorial in the July edition of the journal says until 'knowledge has caught up with the technological advances, it would be wise to invoke the Precautionary Principle to ensure health and safety measures are sufficiently rigorous to decrease the possibility of health risks to industry workers.' The editorial continues: 'These actions would prevent a repetition of the pitiful response seen in the 20th century to evidence linking asbestos with various lung diseases.
Asbestos Industry Gets Heavy
The Canadian Chrysotile Institute, which is largely funded by the Canadian federal and Quebec provincial governments, is attempting to to bring a libel suit against French asbestos campaigner Francois Desriaux.
This attitude towards chrysotile is in sharp contrast to official concerns about nano technology. Canada is a leading producer of chrysotile asbestos, and though it has reduced the use of the material in Canada, it is happy to export the material to emerging economies in the far east.
This attitude towards chrysotile is in sharp contrast to official concerns about nano technology. Canada is a leading producer of chrysotile asbestos, and though it has reduced the use of the material in Canada, it is happy to export the material to emerging economies in the far east.
Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payments
The Government has approved a law that will benefit mesothelioma sufferers.
A loophole existed previously which meant that benefits were only available to those who had been exposed to asbestos at work. Non occupational mesothelioma, for example when family memebrs were exposed to asbestos fibres on workers' clothing did not qualify for a lump sum payout.
Now they will be entitled to a lump sum compensation payout, in the region of £10,000 per case. The Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payments (Conditions and Amounts) Regulations 2008 set out how and when a claim must be made. This is the latest in a series of measures extending asbestos compensation to differing groups.
A loophole existed previously which meant that benefits were only available to those who had been exposed to asbestos at work. Non occupational mesothelioma, for example when family memebrs were exposed to asbestos fibres on workers' clothing did not qualify for a lump sum payout.
Now they will be entitled to a lump sum compensation payout, in the region of £10,000 per case. The Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payments (Conditions and Amounts) Regulations 2008 set out how and when a claim must be made. This is the latest in a series of measures extending asbestos compensation to differing groups.
Government u-turn hits disease sufferers
TUC Risks, - Hazards , 12 July 2008, reported that workers developing occupational diseases could lose out as a result of a government u-turn on retention of insurance records by employers.
The government is pressing ahead with a move to drop the requirement on firms to keep their employers' liability insurance records for 40 years - despite opposition from workplace health groups, lawyers, unions and insurers.
It has instead laid before parliament an order to revoke the record keeping requirement.
Critics argue that many occupational diseases, for example occupational cancers, may only develop decades after a worker was exposed to risks. The current requirement on firms to retain their Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance details for 40 years was designed to ensure the insurer responsible for a payout for one of these 'long-tail' diseases - the one covering the firm at the time the negligent exposures occurred - could be identified.
Tony Whitston, chair of the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK criticised 'the government's manic determination to reduce administrative burdens on business', which he said was hurting occupational disease victims. 'Retaining insurance records costs each employer next to nothing but the burden and the cost of losing compensation is incalculable: it is not simply a question of financial compensation, but a question of justice and fairness.' He added: 'Introducing voluntary measures rather than a statutory central database for employers' liability insurance instead of the current regulation is totally unsatisfactory: there has to be a statutory requirement to retain and to record employers' liability insurance in a central register.'
The Government's approach would appear to be perverse given the raised awareness of chronic occupational diseases.
The government is pressing ahead with a move to drop the requirement on firms to keep their employers' liability insurance records for 40 years - despite opposition from workplace health groups, lawyers, unions and insurers.
It has instead laid before parliament an order to revoke the record keeping requirement.
Critics argue that many occupational diseases, for example occupational cancers, may only develop decades after a worker was exposed to risks. The current requirement on firms to retain their Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance details for 40 years was designed to ensure the insurer responsible for a payout for one of these 'long-tail' diseases - the one covering the firm at the time the negligent exposures occurred - could be identified.
Tony Whitston, chair of the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK criticised 'the government's manic determination to reduce administrative burdens on business', which he said was hurting occupational disease victims. 'Retaining insurance records costs each employer next to nothing but the burden and the cost of losing compensation is incalculable: it is not simply a question of financial compensation, but a question of justice and fairness.' He added: 'Introducing voluntary measures rather than a statutory central database for employers' liability insurance instead of the current regulation is totally unsatisfactory: there has to be a statutory requirement to retain and to record employers' liability insurance in a central register.'
The Government's approach would appear to be perverse given the raised awareness of chronic occupational diseases.
Micro materials could pose major health risks
19th July 2008 TUC Risks reported that potential dangers were posed by the rapidly expanding number of products containing nanomaterials.
The warning comes from the Council of Canadian Academies in one of the most authoritative reports to date about the risks of engineered nanomaterials.
These materials are added to a wide range of products ranging from sunscreens to diesel fuels. The Council cautions that the tiny substances might be able to penetrate cells and interfere with biological processes.
The Council, which was asked by Health Canada and several other federal agencies to study the state of knowledge about nanomaterials and the regulatory changes needed to oversee their use, concluded that "there is inadequate data to inform quantitative risk assessments on current and emerging nanomaterials." Their small size, the report says, may allow them "to usurp traditional biological protective mechanisms" and, as a result, possibly have "enhanced toxicological effects."
Editor's Note: It is worthy of note that Canadian attitudes towards nanomaterials is markedly different from many official attitudes towards chrysotile asbestos. As a major producer and exporter of chrysotile Canada has consistently played down the risks posed by the material.
The warning comes from the Council of Canadian Academies in one of the most authoritative reports to date about the risks of engineered nanomaterials.
These materials are added to a wide range of products ranging from sunscreens to diesel fuels. The Council cautions that the tiny substances might be able to penetrate cells and interfere with biological processes.
The Council, which was asked by Health Canada and several other federal agencies to study the state of knowledge about nanomaterials and the regulatory changes needed to oversee their use, concluded that "there is inadequate data to inform quantitative risk assessments on current and emerging nanomaterials." Their small size, the report says, may allow them "to usurp traditional biological protective mechanisms" and, as a result, possibly have "enhanced toxicological effects."
Editor's Note: It is worthy of note that Canadian attitudes towards nanomaterials is markedly different from many official attitudes towards chrysotile asbestos. As a major producer and exporter of chrysotile Canada has consistently played down the risks posed by the material.
Pleural Plaques battle continues
TUC Risks 19th July 2008 reported that Construction Union, UCATT, have kept up their campaign for compensation for those with the asbestos related condition, pleural plaques.
Last October the Law Lords overturned over 20 years of common law and ruled that pleural plaques should no longer be a compensational illness and last Wednesday (July 9) the Government released a consultation document on the various options, including changing the law, setting up a scheme or doing nothing.
UCATT said it was pleased that the Government was actively considering the issue, but they were disappointed that the document says the 'Government is not minded' to overturn the Law Lords decision.
This potentially places the Government at odds with the Scottish Parliament, who have already brought forward a Bill to overturn the Law Lords judgement.
In an attempt to place further pressure on the Government to overturn the Law Lords ruling, UCATT have decided to campaign in the seats of Cabinet Ministers where there is a high level of asbestos illness. On July 18 UCATT will be targeting the seats of John Hutton and also the South Shields constituency of foreign secretary David Miliband.
Alan Ritchie, general secretary of UCATT, said: 'While I welcome that the Government is seriously examining this issue, it would be unfair and intolerable if pleural plaque victims north of the border received compensation, while those in England did not.'
Last October the Law Lords overturned over 20 years of common law and ruled that pleural plaques should no longer be a compensational illness and last Wednesday (July 9) the Government released a consultation document on the various options, including changing the law, setting up a scheme or doing nothing.
UCATT said it was pleased that the Government was actively considering the issue, but they were disappointed that the document says the 'Government is not minded' to overturn the Law Lords decision.
This potentially places the Government at odds with the Scottish Parliament, who have already brought forward a Bill to overturn the Law Lords judgement.
In an attempt to place further pressure on the Government to overturn the Law Lords ruling, UCATT have decided to campaign in the seats of Cabinet Ministers where there is a high level of asbestos illness. On July 18 UCATT will be targeting the seats of John Hutton and also the South Shields constituency of foreign secretary David Miliband.
Alan Ritchie, general secretary of UCATT, said: 'While I welcome that the Government is seriously examining this issue, it would be unfair and intolerable if pleural plaque victims north of the border received compensation, while those in England did not.'
Thursday, 12 June 2008
Miner’s death linked to work
icwales.couk June 12th 2008
Glamorgan coroner Philip Walters recorded a verdict of death due to industrial disease on an 84 year old ex miner.
Emrys James died on November 28 last year after being taken to Royal Glamorgan Hospital.
Pathologist Dr Joanne Roach told the hearing that a post mortem found embedded coal dust, known as “coal workers’ pneumoconiosis” and traces of asbestos in his lungs. She also found evidence of chronic bronchitis, but gave heart disease as the eventual cause of death.
The coroner said: “While Mr James had significant natural causes of death, it has always been my practice to record a verdict of death due to industrial disease, so the coal workers’ pneumoconiosis and asbestos are recognised as contributory factors.”
Glamorgan coroner Philip Walters recorded a verdict of death due to industrial disease on an 84 year old ex miner.
Emrys James died on November 28 last year after being taken to Royal Glamorgan Hospital.
Pathologist Dr Joanne Roach told the hearing that a post mortem found embedded coal dust, known as “coal workers’ pneumoconiosis” and traces of asbestos in his lungs. She also found evidence of chronic bronchitis, but gave heart disease as the eventual cause of death.
The coroner said: “While Mr James had significant natural causes of death, it has always been my practice to record a verdict of death due to industrial disease, so the coal workers’ pneumoconiosis and asbestos are recognised as contributory factors.”
Fears over asbestos find delays centre reopening
Glasgow Evening Times June 10th 2008:
ASBESTOS has been found at a controversial community centre - further delaying its planned re-opening.
The discovery of the toxic material at the Chirnsyde facility, which was run by alleged gangland figure Eddie Lyons, today led to calls for a full safety probe.The centre, which was built in 1967, was shut down in the wake of the 2006 murder of Eddie's nephew Michael Lyons.
It had been due to re-open this month under council management with a new name - Ashgill Recreation Centre - following a £260,000 facelift.
But because of the discovery of asbestos in the floor of the gym, and delays appointing a contractor for refurbishment work, the date has been pushed back to July 19.
Councillor Billy McAllister said he wants a full health and safety investigation carried out, despite the fact he understands that the centre was first due to reopen in May and the date has already been pushed back several times.
He said: "The building could be riddled with asbestos. I will insist on a full check of the whole structure before people are allowed back in.
To read the full article please click on the following link:
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/display.var.2327282.0.fears_over_asbestos_find_delays_centre_reopening.php
ASBESTOS has been found at a controversial community centre - further delaying its planned re-opening.
The discovery of the toxic material at the Chirnsyde facility, which was run by alleged gangland figure Eddie Lyons, today led to calls for a full safety probe.The centre, which was built in 1967, was shut down in the wake of the 2006 murder of Eddie's nephew Michael Lyons.
It had been due to re-open this month under council management with a new name - Ashgill Recreation Centre - following a £260,000 facelift.
But because of the discovery of asbestos in the floor of the gym, and delays appointing a contractor for refurbishment work, the date has been pushed back to July 19.
Councillor Billy McAllister said he wants a full health and safety investigation carried out, despite the fact he understands that the centre was first due to reopen in May and the date has already been pushed back several times.
He said: "The building could be riddled with asbestos. I will insist on a full check of the whole structure before people are allowed back in.
To read the full article please click on the following link:
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/display.var.2327282.0.fears_over_asbestos_find_delays_centre_reopening.php
Hospital to isolate asbestos
Safety and Media Limited 11th June 2008
The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital is undergoing work to isolate asbestos in the maternity unit of the building. The work is essential to ensure the safety of patients, staff and visitors.
It is planned to encapsulate the substance rather than to remove it. This is in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Health and Safety Executive, (HSE).
To read the full article please click on the link below.
http://www.safetymedia.co.uk/news/asbestos/hospital_to_isolate_asbestos/147721
The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital is undergoing work to isolate asbestos in the maternity unit of the building. The work is essential to ensure the safety of patients, staff and visitors.
It is planned to encapsulate the substance rather than to remove it. This is in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Health and Safety Executive, (HSE).
To read the full article please click on the link below.
http://www.safetymedia.co.uk/news/asbestos/hospital_to_isolate_asbestos/147721
Fears over dumped asbestos pipes
The Wiltshire Times reported on 11 June 2008 that residents of Trowbridge are campaigning to get dumped asbestos pipes removed from a patch of land that is often used by children. The cracked concrete drainage pipes, containing asbestos, have been illegally dumped on ground behind Wickes building supplies store in Kennet Way Trowbridge.
The patch of ground behind the store is accessible by a path off Wyke Road and is used by children and teenagers to make dens.
The rear yard of Wickes abuts directly on to the piece of ground and is easily accessible because it is not fenced off. The pipes are on the border between public ground and the Wickes yard.
Although the locals reported the location of the pipes to West Wiltshire District Council months ago, no action has yet been taken and the pipes remain exposed on the ground.
A spokesman for the district council said: "The number of reported fly-tipping incidents has almost doubled across the district in recent months, which has heavily increased the workload of environmental enforcement officers.
"This rise is partly due to the start of the car boot sale season as excess, unsold items are often dumped in laybys.
To read the full report please click on the link below:
http://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/latestheadlines/display.var.2333698.0.fears_over_dumped_asbestos_pipes.php
The patch of ground behind the store is accessible by a path off Wyke Road and is used by children and teenagers to make dens.
The rear yard of Wickes abuts directly on to the piece of ground and is easily accessible because it is not fenced off. The pipes are on the border between public ground and the Wickes yard.
Although the locals reported the location of the pipes to West Wiltshire District Council months ago, no action has yet been taken and the pipes remain exposed on the ground.
A spokesman for the district council said: "The number of reported fly-tipping incidents has almost doubled across the district in recent months, which has heavily increased the workload of environmental enforcement officers.
"This rise is partly due to the start of the car boot sale season as excess, unsold items are often dumped in laybys.
To read the full report please click on the link below:
http://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/latestheadlines/display.var.2333698.0.fears_over_dumped_asbestos_pipes.php
New research body targets cure for asbestos illnesses
ABC News Australia reported on June 11th 2008 that a new Brisbane-based research group hope to improve treatments and quality of life for people with asbestos-related diseases.
The Asbestos Research Group, based at Brisbane's Wesley Hospital, will examine the progression of diseases like mesothelioma and the impact of reduced lung capacity.
Karen Banton, the widow of mesothelioma victim and campaigner Bernie Banton, says while a cure for the disease is a long way off, more can be done in the short term.
"To give better quality of life, improved quality of life to asbestos sufferers and also to make it easier for their families," she said.
"Just to give them hope really that what they're going through will not befall other families and that one day there will be a cure for these insidious diseases."
Dr Roger Allen says about 27,000 Australians will die from mesothelioma in the next 40 years and researchers are hoping to find a cure.
"I think that's a long way off but we have to start somewhere," he said.
"We don't even know why certain types of asbestos cause mesothelioma - they occur in various ratios so that some types of asbestos fibres are more virulent than others, are more likely to produce cancer.
"They're really basic questions that we can't even answer, let alone treat it."
The Asbestos Research Group, based at Brisbane's Wesley Hospital, will examine the progression of diseases like mesothelioma and the impact of reduced lung capacity.
Karen Banton, the widow of mesothelioma victim and campaigner Bernie Banton, says while a cure for the disease is a long way off, more can be done in the short term.
"To give better quality of life, improved quality of life to asbestos sufferers and also to make it easier for their families," she said.
"Just to give them hope really that what they're going through will not befall other families and that one day there will be a cure for these insidious diseases."
Dr Roger Allen says about 27,000 Australians will die from mesothelioma in the next 40 years and researchers are hoping to find a cure.
"I think that's a long way off but we have to start somewhere," he said.
"We don't even know why certain types of asbestos cause mesothelioma - they occur in various ratios so that some types of asbestos fibres are more virulent than others, are more likely to produce cancer.
"They're really basic questions that we can't even answer, let alone treat it."
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
Court rules asbestos causes lung cancer
TUC Risks 24th May, reported that a High Court ruling has confirmed the lung cancer and asbestos link. Although it has long been accepted asbestos causes lung cancer, proving the link in court has been difficult because, unlike mesothelioma, the condition can be caused by a wide range of other factors, including smoking.
The new ruling involves the case of John Joseph Shortell, who died of lung cancer on 8 July 2006 aged 74. The defendant was his former employer, BICAL Construction Ltd. It is believed this is the first case successfully contested in court, establishing that exposure to asbestos caused lung cancer in a worker without pre-existing asbestos disease. Other cases have been settled out-of-court, so not establishing a legal precedent.
Electrical jointer Mr Shortell - who had also smoked until the age of 53 - had been exposed to asbestos for the majority of his working life at a number of power stations. He working closely with laggers as they handled asbestos. Judge Mr Justice Mackay ruled that the exposure to asbestos more than doubled the claimant's risk of developing lung cancer and the fact that Mr Shortell smoked, he said, did not impact on the negligence and breaches of duty that the defendant showed over many years.
Personal injury lawyers believe the case will have huge implications for lung cancer sufferers throughout the UK who have been exposed to asbestos. Roger Maddocks of law firm Irwin Mitchell commented: 'Although the claimant was an ex-smoker, his employers repeatedly breached their duty of care towards him by exposing him to asbestos during his work and the claimant's contributory negligence, by reason of his past smoking habit, was rated at only 15 per cent. It is the first such case ever to succeed on behalf of a lung cancer sufferer who did not also have asbestosis.'
John Shortell (executor of the estate of John Joseph Shortell deceased and litigation friend of Eileen Shortell) v BICAL construction Ltd (sued as successor to BIC Construction Ltd), in the High Court of Justice (Queen's Bench Division), Liverpool District Registry, Case No: 7LV30059, 28 April - 1 May 2008.
The new ruling involves the case of John Joseph Shortell, who died of lung cancer on 8 July 2006 aged 74. The defendant was his former employer, BICAL Construction Ltd. It is believed this is the first case successfully contested in court, establishing that exposure to asbestos caused lung cancer in a worker without pre-existing asbestos disease. Other cases have been settled out-of-court, so not establishing a legal precedent.
Electrical jointer Mr Shortell - who had also smoked until the age of 53 - had been exposed to asbestos for the majority of his working life at a number of power stations. He working closely with laggers as they handled asbestos. Judge Mr Justice Mackay ruled that the exposure to asbestos more than doubled the claimant's risk of developing lung cancer and the fact that Mr Shortell smoked, he said, did not impact on the negligence and breaches of duty that the defendant showed over many years.
Personal injury lawyers believe the case will have huge implications for lung cancer sufferers throughout the UK who have been exposed to asbestos. Roger Maddocks of law firm Irwin Mitchell commented: 'Although the claimant was an ex-smoker, his employers repeatedly breached their duty of care towards him by exposing him to asbestos during his work and the claimant's contributory negligence, by reason of his past smoking habit, was rated at only 15 per cent. It is the first such case ever to succeed on behalf of a lung cancer sufferer who did not also have asbestosis.'
John Shortell (executor of the estate of John Joseph Shortell deceased and litigation friend of Eileen Shortell) v BICAL construction Ltd (sued as successor to BIC Construction Ltd), in the High Court of Justice (Queen's Bench Division), Liverpool District Registry, Case No: 7LV30059, 28 April - 1 May 2008.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
