Weston and Somerset Mercury reported 14 February 2008 that it cost £135,000 to remove a toxic substance from Priory Community School and there may still be more to pay.
The cost mounted up at the site off Queens Way in Worle last summer after contractors disturbed asbestos. Specialists had to be called in to get rid of the toxic substance so North Somerset Council has said it will allocate £100,000 from its emergency capital works budget towards the removal. The Health and Safety Executive was also called in last year to inspect the school after the incident and its results have not yet been given. If a fine is handed out by the Government organisation, which is responsible for health and safety in the workplace, the school will have to find the funds to pay up
http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/content/twm/news/story.aspx?brand=Westonmercury&category=news&tBrand=westonmercury&tCategory=znews&itemid=WeED14%20Feb%202008%2009%3A15%3A38%3A063
Wednesday, 20 February 2008
Centre closed amid asbestos contamination fears
The Star .co.uk (Yorkshire) 15th February 2008 reported that Rotherham Council has closed its main town centre civic building after what is believed to be asbestos was discovered on the first floor.
Tests are being carried out by specialist contractors to determine the extent of the contamination, and the results are expected tomorrow. Around 450 staff work in the office complex, which contains the council's busy Customer Service Centre on the ground floor. Around 60 staff work on the first floor where the substance was found during routine testing prior to building work.
The council is trying to play down the discovery, and says any asbestos contamination is likely to be small. It is trying to find alternative accommodation for staff and for the services which are run from the civic complex. A council spokesman said: "A temporary customer service desk has been set up at nearby Norfolk House to deal with urgent enquiries only - this will have no cash desk facilities. "If people do wish to make cash payments we would ask them to go to their local Neighbourhood Office or the Dinnington or Swinton Customer Service Centres."
http://www.thestar.co.uk/rotherham/Centre-closed-amid-asbestos-contamination.3780236.jp
Tests are being carried out by specialist contractors to determine the extent of the contamination, and the results are expected tomorrow. Around 450 staff work in the office complex, which contains the council's busy Customer Service Centre on the ground floor. Around 60 staff work on the first floor where the substance was found during routine testing prior to building work.
The council is trying to play down the discovery, and says any asbestos contamination is likely to be small. It is trying to find alternative accommodation for staff and for the services which are run from the civic complex. A council spokesman said: "A temporary customer service desk has been set up at nearby Norfolk House to deal with urgent enquiries only - this will have no cash desk facilities. "If people do wish to make cash payments we would ask them to go to their local Neighbourhood Office or the Dinnington or Swinton Customer Service Centres."
http://www.thestar.co.uk/rotherham/Centre-closed-amid-asbestos-contamination.3780236.jp
Asbestos Dumping at Romney Marsh
Kent on Line reported on 14th February 2008 that illegal and dangerous dumping of asbestos on Romney Marsh could be stopped with public vigilance, according to Shepway council.
In recent weeks, the council has cleared asbestos from 20 sites in the Marsh, and hopes to remove the rest by the end of the week. The council’s environment head Rory Love has announced a crackdown on the “rogue traders” believed to be carrying out the illegal fly-tipping, and asked residents to look out for vans and lorries at night. He said: “We believe this might be coming from outside the district. “We ask people to be extra vigilant and to get the registration number and description of the vehicle and of anyone they think might be involved – providing it is safe for them.”
The council has advised anyone who finds asbestos not to move it, as it is only a hazard when it is moved. As long as the asbestos is on public land, the council will arrange to have it removed. However, it is not responsible for taking away materials that have been illegally dumped on private land.Those found guilty of fly-tipping can be fined up to £50,000, while the owners of vehicles transporting waste without a licence face a £300 fine. Anyone finding asbestos in the Shepway is asked to call 01303 858660 and give a precise location.
http://www.kentonline.co.uk/news/default.asp?article_id=38456
In recent weeks, the council has cleared asbestos from 20 sites in the Marsh, and hopes to remove the rest by the end of the week. The council’s environment head Rory Love has announced a crackdown on the “rogue traders” believed to be carrying out the illegal fly-tipping, and asked residents to look out for vans and lorries at night. He said: “We believe this might be coming from outside the district. “We ask people to be extra vigilant and to get the registration number and description of the vehicle and of anyone they think might be involved – providing it is safe for them.”
The council has advised anyone who finds asbestos not to move it, as it is only a hazard when it is moved. As long as the asbestos is on public land, the council will arrange to have it removed. However, it is not responsible for taking away materials that have been illegally dumped on private land.Those found guilty of fly-tipping can be fined up to £50,000, while the owners of vehicles transporting waste without a licence face a £300 fine. Anyone finding asbestos in the Shepway is asked to call 01303 858660 and give a precise location.
http://www.kentonline.co.uk/news/default.asp?article_id=38456
Vitrification of Asbestos Containing Materials
A French company, Europlasma issued a press release on 14th February 2008, stating that the seventy joint owners of the Maine-Montparnasse Tower Complex (EITMM) have decided to systematically and permanently destroy asbestos-containing material from building work at the tower by means of vitrification.
The waste will be transported to the INERTAM site at Morcenx in the Landes region, where it will be treated at 1500°C by plasma fusion, turning it into entirely inert, reusable material. A total of 600 tons of this waste was produced in the second half of 2007 and more than 1000 tons are anticipated in 2008, for total expected turnover of €1.5 million.
In January 2008, the Paris hospitals administration (AP-HP) also signed a global three-year contract for the permanent destruction by vitrification of all of the waste generated by the asbestos removal work from its real-estate, estimated to cover 6 million m2. INERTAM expects the contract to generate turnover of €3 million over three years.The destruction of asbestos waste by vitrification, instead of land filling, is an increasingly popular option among public and private clients.
In 2007, INERTAM reported a 3% profit margin on a total turnover of €11 million (unaudited data). Current commercial success suggests that 2008 results will be even better. INERTAM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Europlasma specialising in the plasma vitrification treatment of asbestos waste.
About Europlasma ( www.europlasma.com )
Set up in 1992, Europlasma specialises in industrial processes using plasma-torch technology. The processes developed allow us to treat and reuse different types of waste (asbestos, toxic ash, etc.).The latest innovation is the reuse of waste using a gasification process with an additional plasma stage for electricity generation.
The waste will be transported to the INERTAM site at Morcenx in the Landes region, where it will be treated at 1500°C by plasma fusion, turning it into entirely inert, reusable material. A total of 600 tons of this waste was produced in the second half of 2007 and more than 1000 tons are anticipated in 2008, for total expected turnover of €1.5 million.
In January 2008, the Paris hospitals administration (AP-HP) also signed a global three-year contract for the permanent destruction by vitrification of all of the waste generated by the asbestos removal work from its real-estate, estimated to cover 6 million m2. INERTAM expects the contract to generate turnover of €3 million over three years.The destruction of asbestos waste by vitrification, instead of land filling, is an increasingly popular option among public and private clients.
In 2007, INERTAM reported a 3% profit margin on a total turnover of €11 million (unaudited data). Current commercial success suggests that 2008 results will be even better. INERTAM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Europlasma specialising in the plasma vitrification treatment of asbestos waste.
About Europlasma ( www.europlasma.com )
Set up in 1992, Europlasma specialises in industrial processes using plasma-torch technology. The processes developed allow us to treat and reuse different types of waste (asbestos, toxic ash, etc.).The latest innovation is the reuse of waste using a gasification process with an additional plasma stage for electricity generation.
£1.9m probe launched into asbestos in city buildings
The Scotsman 16th February 2008 reported that a £1.9 million investigation into every council-owned property in Edinburgh is set to be launched in a bid to identify asbestos levels.
The council today admitted its current records are "inadequate", and do not meet health and safety regulations.The project is designed to ensure materials that contain asbestos are kept in a safe condition if they pose a minimum risk, or removed if there is an "unacceptable risk" to human health.
The Health and Safety Executive recently served the council with an improvement notice after identifying problems with the local authority's processes for dealing with asbestos. A central database will be set up to record all information relating to asbestos at the 1090 council-owned premises, such as schools, community centres, care homes, offices and "investment properties" which are leased out. At the same time, surveys will be done to assess the energy performance of buildings, as well as compliance with disability discrimination laws. The money is set to be included in the council budget for 2008/09, due to be adopted on Thursday. City finance leader Gordon MacKenzie said today: "This is a very serious issue, and it's vitally important that we carry out this survey work."Sadly, this has been starved of resources up to now, but this is our first budget and we intend to make provision.
"To meet its obligations, the council requires accurate electronic floor plans showing a record of the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials. The £1.9m will be spent on the project between 2008 and 2010, with annual maintenance costs of around £150,000 per year thereafter. Council officials have warned that failure to carry out the work will be a breach of legal requirements and could result in action being taken against the local authority. Basic information is currently available for only around 50 per cent of council properties, which will need to be updated, while the remainder of the buildings will require a full survey.
The scheme does not cover the council's housing stock.City development director Andrew Holmes said: "Given the requirements, there is an urgent need for a major one-off survey of operational property to obtain current electronic plans and survey information."It is proposed that initial survey work commence during 2008/09 with completion in 2009/10. Given the size and value of the exercise, earlier completion is impractical."On completion of this work, all plans held on the database would be checked and updated, following alteration, on an annual basis." Labour group leader Ewan Aitken – who was council leader until last year's election – said it was "simply not true" that resources for this area had been "starved".He said the money would have been provided if council officials had raised concerns.
http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/19m-probe-launched-into-asbestos.3785376.jp
The council today admitted its current records are "inadequate", and do not meet health and safety regulations.The project is designed to ensure materials that contain asbestos are kept in a safe condition if they pose a minimum risk, or removed if there is an "unacceptable risk" to human health.
The Health and Safety Executive recently served the council with an improvement notice after identifying problems with the local authority's processes for dealing with asbestos. A central database will be set up to record all information relating to asbestos at the 1090 council-owned premises, such as schools, community centres, care homes, offices and "investment properties" which are leased out. At the same time, surveys will be done to assess the energy performance of buildings, as well as compliance with disability discrimination laws. The money is set to be included in the council budget for 2008/09, due to be adopted on Thursday. City finance leader Gordon MacKenzie said today: "This is a very serious issue, and it's vitally important that we carry out this survey work."Sadly, this has been starved of resources up to now, but this is our first budget and we intend to make provision.
"To meet its obligations, the council requires accurate electronic floor plans showing a record of the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials. The £1.9m will be spent on the project between 2008 and 2010, with annual maintenance costs of around £150,000 per year thereafter. Council officials have warned that failure to carry out the work will be a breach of legal requirements and could result in action being taken against the local authority. Basic information is currently available for only around 50 per cent of council properties, which will need to be updated, while the remainder of the buildings will require a full survey.
The scheme does not cover the council's housing stock.City development director Andrew Holmes said: "Given the requirements, there is an urgent need for a major one-off survey of operational property to obtain current electronic plans and survey information."It is proposed that initial survey work commence during 2008/09 with completion in 2009/10. Given the size and value of the exercise, earlier completion is impractical."On completion of this work, all plans held on the database would be checked and updated, following alteration, on an annual basis." Labour group leader Ewan Aitken – who was council leader until last year's election – said it was "simply not true" that resources for this area had been "starved".He said the money would have been provided if council officials had raised concerns.
http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/19m-probe-launched-into-asbestos.3785376.jp
Call for school asbestos survey
BBC 15th February 2008 reported that a teaching union is urging the government to carry out a survey of all schools to check whether potentially life-threatening asbestos is present.
The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) wants asbestos to be removed from all schools by 2010.
The substance, which causes serious diseases of the heart and lungs, was widely used between 1945 and 1975 when thousands of schools were built.
Schools are legally required to check for asbestos and manage any risk.
ATL general secretary Dr Mary Bousted said her union was deeply concerned about the continuing risk to teachers, support staff and pupils from asbestos in schools.
"There is still too little information about asbestos. We don't know how many schools still contain asbestos, so most teachers have little idea of whether they or their pupils are being exposed to it.
"Schools should keep and maintain asbestos registers to record the locations and condition of any asbestos, and let staff know."
She added: "Over 400 ATL members know they have been exposed to asbestos in their school or college.
"But this is the tip of the iceberg. Many teachers and pupils will be unaware, and because asbestos related illnesses take between 15 to 60 years to develop it is difficult to know how many will become ill or die as a result of exposure."
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma which is usually fatal, lung cancer, and asbestosis which can be fatal or highly debilitating.
Health and Safety Executive figures suggest at least 182 people working in education died in Great Britain between 1980 and 2000 from mesothelioma alone
To read the full account please click on the link below:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7247516.stm
The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) wants asbestos to be removed from all schools by 2010.
The substance, which causes serious diseases of the heart and lungs, was widely used between 1945 and 1975 when thousands of schools were built.
Schools are legally required to check for asbestos and manage any risk.
ATL general secretary Dr Mary Bousted said her union was deeply concerned about the continuing risk to teachers, support staff and pupils from asbestos in schools.
"There is still too little information about asbestos. We don't know how many schools still contain asbestos, so most teachers have little idea of whether they or their pupils are being exposed to it.
"Schools should keep and maintain asbestos registers to record the locations and condition of any asbestos, and let staff know."
She added: "Over 400 ATL members know they have been exposed to asbestos in their school or college.
"But this is the tip of the iceberg. Many teachers and pupils will be unaware, and because asbestos related illnesses take between 15 to 60 years to develop it is difficult to know how many will become ill or die as a result of exposure."
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma which is usually fatal, lung cancer, and asbestosis which can be fatal or highly debilitating.
Health and Safety Executive figures suggest at least 182 people working in education died in Great Britain between 1980 and 2000 from mesothelioma alone
To read the full account please click on the link below:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7247516.stm
CLASP schools - statement by the Health and Safety Executive
HSE Press Release
E08:08 15 February 2008
CLASP schools - statement by the Health and Safety Executive
In autumn 2006, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identified that there was the potential for asbestos fibres to be released in particular circumstances in CLASP (system built) schools. HSE therefore,took immediate and positive action, advising all relevant dutyholders to visually check their CLASP (system built) school buildings and, where necessary, to seal gaps in column casings using silicone sealant and tape. This simple solution has been shown to prevent asbestos fibres escaping into classrooms.
The three local authority employers’ organisations (England, Scotland, Wales) have surveyed local authorities and received positive reports of action.
HSE also set up a stakeholder working group to share information on this matter and to produce guidance. In addition, HSE inspectors targeted particular dutyholders to check that our advice had been followed. Some of these checks resulted in Improvement Notices being served but in the majority we found that dutyholders had followed our advice.
As soon as HSE were alerted to conditions at Hay Lane School, an inspector made a site visit. The London Borough of Brent identified all the remedial work required to meet HSE’s guidance for system built schools. This was carried out by licensed asbestos contractors during the weekend before Hay Lane Special School opened for the new term (January 2008).
Re-assurance air sampling involving disturbance was carried out at Hay Lane School after the remedial work and was found to be satisfactory. Sampling was also carried out to see whether asbestos was present in the ceiling void and test results were negative.
Further discussions took place with Brent Council about the management of asbestos in other schools under their control and HSE took appropriate enforcement action.
HSE's advice is that asbestos in good condition, and not likely to be damaged, is better left in place and managed. Asbestos in poor condition, or which is likely to be damaged or disturbed, should be repaired, sealed, enclosed or removed. If people are unsure of the condition of asbestos then specialist advice should be obtained.
HSE has been given information from the ITN survey and will carry out further checks as appropriate.
Notes to Editors
1. CLASP stands for Consortium of Local Authorities Special Programme. It provided standard system buildings for a variety of public sector uses but particularly schools. The nature of the construction of buildings erected between 1945 and 1980 included asbestos containing materials, partly recorded as part of the original design. The programme is now managed by Scape System Build Ltd, which was able to provide information on those organisations that had originally installed them. It is estimated that there are 1400 sites with CLASP built schools.
2. Asbestos was used extensively as a building material in Great Britain from the 1950s through to the mid-1980s. It was used for a variety of different purposes and was ideal for fireproofing and insulation. Any type of building built before 2000 (houses, factories, offices, schools, hospitals etc.) could contain asbestos. Asbestos materials in good condition are safe unless the asbestos fibres become airborne, which happens when the materials are damaged.
3. The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006 require dutyholders to properly manage asbestos. Further information on asbestos can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm
E08:08 15 February 2008
CLASP schools - statement by the Health and Safety Executive
In autumn 2006, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identified that there was the potential for asbestos fibres to be released in particular circumstances in CLASP (system built) schools. HSE therefore,took immediate and positive action, advising all relevant dutyholders to visually check their CLASP (system built) school buildings and, where necessary, to seal gaps in column casings using silicone sealant and tape. This simple solution has been shown to prevent asbestos fibres escaping into classrooms.
The three local authority employers’ organisations (England, Scotland, Wales) have surveyed local authorities and received positive reports of action.
HSE also set up a stakeholder working group to share information on this matter and to produce guidance. In addition, HSE inspectors targeted particular dutyholders to check that our advice had been followed. Some of these checks resulted in Improvement Notices being served but in the majority we found that dutyholders had followed our advice.
As soon as HSE were alerted to conditions at Hay Lane School, an inspector made a site visit. The London Borough of Brent identified all the remedial work required to meet HSE’s guidance for system built schools. This was carried out by licensed asbestos contractors during the weekend before Hay Lane Special School opened for the new term (January 2008).
Re-assurance air sampling involving disturbance was carried out at Hay Lane School after the remedial work and was found to be satisfactory. Sampling was also carried out to see whether asbestos was present in the ceiling void and test results were negative.
Further discussions took place with Brent Council about the management of asbestos in other schools under their control and HSE took appropriate enforcement action.
HSE's advice is that asbestos in good condition, and not likely to be damaged, is better left in place and managed. Asbestos in poor condition, or which is likely to be damaged or disturbed, should be repaired, sealed, enclosed or removed. If people are unsure of the condition of asbestos then specialist advice should be obtained.
HSE has been given information from the ITN survey and will carry out further checks as appropriate.
Notes to Editors
1. CLASP stands for Consortium of Local Authorities Special Programme. It provided standard system buildings for a variety of public sector uses but particularly schools. The nature of the construction of buildings erected between 1945 and 1980 included asbestos containing materials, partly recorded as part of the original design. The programme is now managed by Scape System Build Ltd, which was able to provide information on those organisations that had originally installed them. It is estimated that there are 1400 sites with CLASP built schools.
2. Asbestos was used extensively as a building material in Great Britain from the 1950s through to the mid-1980s. It was used for a variety of different purposes and was ideal for fireproofing and insulation. Any type of building built before 2000 (houses, factories, offices, schools, hospitals etc.) could contain asbestos. Asbestos materials in good condition are safe unless the asbestos fibres become airborne, which happens when the materials are damaged.
3. The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006 require dutyholders to properly manage asbestos. Further information on asbestos can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm
Asbestos in schools ITN report
16th February 2008
Two ITN News bulletins following a year investigation by ITN have featured the asbestos problem in these schools. The paper for download was delayed waiting for publication by ITN of their findings
Shortly a technical paper will be produced on asbestos exposure in System Built Schools
Asbestos in Schools
Attached is a paper that describes asbestos fibre release in schools at levels above the 'Control Level'. The Control Level is the level at which contractors have to wear protective clothing.
The release comes from normal school activity like sitting on window sills, slamming doors, kicking skirting boards or knocking walls.
The particular type of schools in which this happens is 'System Build' Schools. They are in common use in the UK and are prefabricated buildings built in the period between 1945 and 1980.
There is extensive scientific, photographic and paperwork evidence in the paper that the HSE and the HSE/CLASP consortium that is responsible for dealing with the problem has put procedures and tests in place that fail to deal with the risk of disturbance to asbestos by normal school activity. There is further evidence that the procedures that they have put in place have not been properly implemented or supervised.
This paper follows up the two ITN News bulletins on Friday 15 February. Those bulletins were based on months of ITN research and tests in school.
The paper gives you the detailed technical information required to analyse responses to the ITN report, to check the effectiveness of precautionary and procedural measures in your local area and the ammunition to respond to unsound official responses.
You may wish to check that all such schools in your area are safe and whether the HSE, LEAs and schools are applying effective regulations or failing staff and pupils. You may wish to challenge the effectiveness both of their inpection standards and the procedures they have put in place as there is evidence that neither deal with disturbance of asbestos by things like banging doors, sitting on window sills or knocking skirting boards.
You will also find evidence that HSE and LEAs fail to address contamination by asbestos over a period of years - like that spent by a child or teacher in a school.
The paper is a factual paper, based on referenced authoritative material, and has been prepared in conjunction with experts in the asbestos industry, scientists specialising in this field and with various teacher unions. It is fully referenced.
ml@asbestosexposureschools.co.uk
To access report please click on the link below: (It is over fifty pages in length and may take a short while to download
http://www.asbestosexposureschools.co.uk/RELEASE%20OF%20ASBESTOS%20FIBRES%20IN%20SYSTEM%20BUILT%20SCHOOLS%20PART%201%2015%20FEB%2008.pdf
Two ITN News bulletins following a year investigation by ITN have featured the asbestos problem in these schools. The paper for download was delayed waiting for publication by ITN of their findings
Shortly a technical paper will be produced on asbestos exposure in System Built Schools
Asbestos in Schools
Attached is a paper that describes asbestos fibre release in schools at levels above the 'Control Level'. The Control Level is the level at which contractors have to wear protective clothing.
The release comes from normal school activity like sitting on window sills, slamming doors, kicking skirting boards or knocking walls.
The particular type of schools in which this happens is 'System Build' Schools. They are in common use in the UK and are prefabricated buildings built in the period between 1945 and 1980.
There is extensive scientific, photographic and paperwork evidence in the paper that the HSE and the HSE/CLASP consortium that is responsible for dealing with the problem has put procedures and tests in place that fail to deal with the risk of disturbance to asbestos by normal school activity. There is further evidence that the procedures that they have put in place have not been properly implemented or supervised.
This paper follows up the two ITN News bulletins on Friday 15 February. Those bulletins were based on months of ITN research and tests in school.
The paper gives you the detailed technical information required to analyse responses to the ITN report, to check the effectiveness of precautionary and procedural measures in your local area and the ammunition to respond to unsound official responses.
You may wish to check that all such schools in your area are safe and whether the HSE, LEAs and schools are applying effective regulations or failing staff and pupils. You may wish to challenge the effectiveness both of their inpection standards and the procedures they have put in place as there is evidence that neither deal with disturbance of asbestos by things like banging doors, sitting on window sills or knocking skirting boards.
You will also find evidence that HSE and LEAs fail to address contamination by asbestos over a period of years - like that spent by a child or teacher in a school.
The paper is a factual paper, based on referenced authoritative material, and has been prepared in conjunction with experts in the asbestos industry, scientists specialising in this field and with various teacher unions. It is fully referenced.
ml@asbestosexposureschools.co.uk
To access report please click on the link below: (It is over fifty pages in length and may take a short while to download
http://www.asbestosexposureschools.co.uk/RELEASE%20OF%20ASBESTOS%20FIBRES%20IN%20SYSTEM%20BUILT%20SCHOOLS%20PART%201%2015%20FEB%2008.pdf
Governments told to act on asbestos
TUC Risks 16th February 2008 warned that governments must take urgent action to ban asbestos worldwide and to head off a massive asbestos industry promotional push, campaigners have said.
Eighty delegates from unions, asbestos groups and international tripartite, enforcement and expert bodies from 33 countries met in Vienna this month to devise an effective response to the occupational and public health menace posed by asbestos.
Klaus Wiesehügel, president of BWI, the global construction union federation that organised the conference, told delegates: 'Asbestos should be on the agenda of all governments as the consequences of an exposure to asbestos will be much more serious than we thought a few years ago.' He said industry lobbying was focusing increasingly on developing countries.
An asbestos industry-backed bid to undermine the initiative by organising a counter-conference in the same venue came to nothing, attracting just 20 delegates and a selection of industry hacks. Igor Fedotov from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) said: 'All serious scientists are opposing this opinion. The best prevention is a worldwide ban!' Fiona Murie, director of BWI's health and safety programme, said 'many victims do not know that they were exposed to asbestos and, because of the long time lag between exposure and the emergence of the symptoms, asbestos diseases are not correctly diagnosed, treated, compensated or, most importantly, prevented.'
A declaration agreed at the conference said participating organisations were 'committed to promote the global ban of all forms of asbestos from the construction industry and from all other industrial sectors; to promote the effective regulation of work with in-situ asbestos in demolition, conversion, renovation and maintenance works by law; to work for the elimination of diseases caused by asbestos; to promote social justice for those affected by asbestos.'
Eighty delegates from unions, asbestos groups and international tripartite, enforcement and expert bodies from 33 countries met in Vienna this month to devise an effective response to the occupational and public health menace posed by asbestos.
Klaus Wiesehügel, president of BWI, the global construction union federation that organised the conference, told delegates: 'Asbestos should be on the agenda of all governments as the consequences of an exposure to asbestos will be much more serious than we thought a few years ago.' He said industry lobbying was focusing increasingly on developing countries.
An asbestos industry-backed bid to undermine the initiative by organising a counter-conference in the same venue came to nothing, attracting just 20 delegates and a selection of industry hacks. Igor Fedotov from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) said: 'All serious scientists are opposing this opinion. The best prevention is a worldwide ban!' Fiona Murie, director of BWI's health and safety programme, said 'many victims do not know that they were exposed to asbestos and, because of the long time lag between exposure and the emergence of the symptoms, asbestos diseases are not correctly diagnosed, treated, compensated or, most importantly, prevented.'
A declaration agreed at the conference said participating organisations were 'committed to promote the global ban of all forms of asbestos from the construction industry and from all other industrial sectors; to promote the effective regulation of work with in-situ asbestos in demolition, conversion, renovation and maintenance works by law; to work for the elimination of diseases caused by asbestos; to promote social justice for those affected by asbestos.'
HSE 'wake up call' for asbestos removal industry
An HSE Press Release was issued to inform people that a Licensed Asbestos Contractors’ Leadership Summit would be held at Newmarket Racecourse, Newmarket, Wednesday 13th February 2008.
Asbestos-related disease accounts for over 3500 deaths each year, creating what is the UK’s biggest single cause of work related deaths. Nationally approximately 600 of these deaths each year arise from work with asbestos in the construction industry and allied trades.
To help tackle this problem, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has called its eleventh special leadership summit to ask the asbestos removal industry to make further improvements in reducing ill-health caused by work with asbestos.
The invitation-only summit to many licence holders in Essex, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire – at Newmarket Racecourse, Newmarket, 13th February - follows an assessment of the industry’s performance, which considered whether adequate precautions were being taken to prevent ill health from work with asbestos. It revealed that although the industry collectively had made significant improvements in recent years, there is still room for further advances.
Although standards have improved and the evidence available suggests that the number of deaths will begin to reduce from a predicted peak in 2011, the rate of reduction of incidence is not known. The summit aims to encourage individual organisations to determine the further steps that they can take to reduce exposure to asbestos and so lessen the incidence of disease.
Welcoming the event, Mike Williams, Asbestos Licensing Principal Inspector in HSE’s Field Operations Directorate, said: "We are determined to work with the industry, and our objective is to convince them that higher standards to protect health are achievable and needed. We will explore how individual licence holders can make those necessary improvements and hence reduce the number of deaths from asbestos related diseases."
Steve Sadley, Chief Executive of The Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA), also welcomed the event, saying: "The main aim of the Asbestos Liaison Group (ALG) has always been to improve standards within the asbestos removal industry. ARCA’s Site Audit Accreditation Scheme has also highlighted the need for greater management awareness in this respect. ARCA are therefore delighted that the HSE has taken this initiative."
The programme for the event will include sessions on:
· management responsibility;
· organisational improvement;
· problems of complacency; and
· organisational/individual vulnerability.
In addition to these sessions there will be an opportunity for attendees to discuss specific issues with HSE staff and representatives of Trade Associations and Trades Unions.
This is the eleventh event of its type for the industry and a further event will be run in another part of the country.
Notes to editors
Further information on asbestos is available on the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm
Press enquiries
For more information please contact John Stevenson on 01223 372790.
Public enquiries
HSE’s InfoLine 0845 345 0055Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG
HSE information and news releases can be accessed on the Internet www.hse.gov.uk
Issued on behalf of HSE by Government News Network East.
Asbestos-related disease accounts for over 3500 deaths each year, creating what is the UK’s biggest single cause of work related deaths. Nationally approximately 600 of these deaths each year arise from work with asbestos in the construction industry and allied trades.
To help tackle this problem, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has called its eleventh special leadership summit to ask the asbestos removal industry to make further improvements in reducing ill-health caused by work with asbestos.
The invitation-only summit to many licence holders in Essex, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire – at Newmarket Racecourse, Newmarket, 13th February - follows an assessment of the industry’s performance, which considered whether adequate precautions were being taken to prevent ill health from work with asbestos. It revealed that although the industry collectively had made significant improvements in recent years, there is still room for further advances.
Although standards have improved and the evidence available suggests that the number of deaths will begin to reduce from a predicted peak in 2011, the rate of reduction of incidence is not known. The summit aims to encourage individual organisations to determine the further steps that they can take to reduce exposure to asbestos and so lessen the incidence of disease.
Welcoming the event, Mike Williams, Asbestos Licensing Principal Inspector in HSE’s Field Operations Directorate, said: "We are determined to work with the industry, and our objective is to convince them that higher standards to protect health are achievable and needed. We will explore how individual licence holders can make those necessary improvements and hence reduce the number of deaths from asbestos related diseases."
Steve Sadley, Chief Executive of The Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA), also welcomed the event, saying: "The main aim of the Asbestos Liaison Group (ALG) has always been to improve standards within the asbestos removal industry. ARCA’s Site Audit Accreditation Scheme has also highlighted the need for greater management awareness in this respect. ARCA are therefore delighted that the HSE has taken this initiative."
The programme for the event will include sessions on:
· management responsibility;
· organisational improvement;
· problems of complacency; and
· organisational/individual vulnerability.
In addition to these sessions there will be an opportunity for attendees to discuss specific issues with HSE staff and representatives of Trade Associations and Trades Unions.
This is the eleventh event of its type for the industry and a further event will be run in another part of the country.
Notes to editors
Further information on asbestos is available on the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm
Press enquiries
For more information please contact John Stevenson on 01223 372790.
Public enquiries
HSE’s InfoLine 0845 345 0055Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG
HSE information and news releases can be accessed on the Internet www.hse.gov.uk
Issued on behalf of HSE by Government News Network East.
Heath Lambert issues its State of the Market Report 2008
Bobsfuide.com 12th February 2008 delivered a precis of Heath Lambert's (HL) State of the Market Report. It claimed that the cost of Professional Indemnity Insurance, (PI) was typically reduce by as much as 20% compared with predicted cuts of 10% -15%.
Many are now benefiting from their lowest ever rates, thanks to the abundant capacity, which is driving this extremely soft market.
The new capacity providers include Aspen Insurance, which has joined the fray with an established team from Mitsui. Despite this setback, Mitsui has recruited new underwriting staff and remains in the PI market. US insurer AIG is expanding its UK PI business to include construction and Bermudan based insurers are also expanding their appetites for PI.
In addition to fuelling more competitive prices, clients are benefiting in other ways too. For example, the availability of so much capacity allows clients to buy bigger limits. However, it is probable that rates will start to stabilise in 2008. This is partly because they are historically at very low levels, but also because it is unlikely that any new capacity will enter the market during the year.
By the end of 2007 some insurers were becoming more selective and trying to hold rates, although Aspen’s arrival in October has probably delayed any significant hardening of the market.
Cover
The soft market is leading to a range of improvements in cover. Underwriters are now much more likely to offer no claims bonuses and will often provide reinstatements at reduced additional premiums, or even for free. Deductibles have generally dropped below the normal one per cent of rateable fee income and we are now regularly seeing 0.5 per cent of rateable fee income for deductibles on larger risks.
Heath Lambert have also secured long term agreements (LTAs) for a number of our larger clients, now that such deals are more readily available and rates are so low. As well as locking in these low rates, LTAs offer the advantage that, subject to certain conditions, clients can look forward to an agreed renewal.
Yet further evidence that this is a buyers’ market comes from insurers’ more relaxed attitudes towards exclusions, such as bodily injury and property damage. Underwriters are even willing to consider providing cover for previously standard exclusions such as asbestos and toxic mould.
Concerns
Looking further ahead, one possible cloud on the horizon is the fall-out from the sub-prime mortgage crisis in the US. This saga may eventually have a knock-on effect in the UK in terms of mortgages and property valuations. Insurers have not forgotten that surveyors in particular, suffered during the last property market downturn due to questions over valuations.
Experts are already forecasting a rise in UK repossessions in 2008, so an increase in valuation disputes is a strong possibility. In response to these concerns, PI rates for surveyors are bucking the otherwise softer trend and showing signs of turning. However, this follows reductions in the October 2007 solicitors’ renewals fuelled by the arrival of new capacity.
The concern over surveyors demonstrates that PI is a specialist area requiring expertise and experience. It is not a general insurance or an extension of other covers such as employers’ liability or public liability. Most firms need bespoke coverage designed by people who understand the exposures and the PI insurance market. This is where Health Lambert’s experienced PI team can help.
To read the full account, please click on the link below:
http://www.bobsguide.com/guide/news/2008/Feb/13/Heath_Lambert_issues_its_State_of_the_Market_Report_2008.html
Many are now benefiting from their lowest ever rates, thanks to the abundant capacity, which is driving this extremely soft market.
The new capacity providers include Aspen Insurance, which has joined the fray with an established team from Mitsui. Despite this setback, Mitsui has recruited new underwriting staff and remains in the PI market. US insurer AIG is expanding its UK PI business to include construction and Bermudan based insurers are also expanding their appetites for PI.
In addition to fuelling more competitive prices, clients are benefiting in other ways too. For example, the availability of so much capacity allows clients to buy bigger limits. However, it is probable that rates will start to stabilise in 2008. This is partly because they are historically at very low levels, but also because it is unlikely that any new capacity will enter the market during the year.
By the end of 2007 some insurers were becoming more selective and trying to hold rates, although Aspen’s arrival in October has probably delayed any significant hardening of the market.
Cover
The soft market is leading to a range of improvements in cover. Underwriters are now much more likely to offer no claims bonuses and will often provide reinstatements at reduced additional premiums, or even for free. Deductibles have generally dropped below the normal one per cent of rateable fee income and we are now regularly seeing 0.5 per cent of rateable fee income for deductibles on larger risks.
Heath Lambert have also secured long term agreements (LTAs) for a number of our larger clients, now that such deals are more readily available and rates are so low. As well as locking in these low rates, LTAs offer the advantage that, subject to certain conditions, clients can look forward to an agreed renewal.
Yet further evidence that this is a buyers’ market comes from insurers’ more relaxed attitudes towards exclusions, such as bodily injury and property damage. Underwriters are even willing to consider providing cover for previously standard exclusions such as asbestos and toxic mould.
Concerns
Looking further ahead, one possible cloud on the horizon is the fall-out from the sub-prime mortgage crisis in the US. This saga may eventually have a knock-on effect in the UK in terms of mortgages and property valuations. Insurers have not forgotten that surveyors in particular, suffered during the last property market downturn due to questions over valuations.
Experts are already forecasting a rise in UK repossessions in 2008, so an increase in valuation disputes is a strong possibility. In response to these concerns, PI rates for surveyors are bucking the otherwise softer trend and showing signs of turning. However, this follows reductions in the October 2007 solicitors’ renewals fuelled by the arrival of new capacity.
The concern over surveyors demonstrates that PI is a specialist area requiring expertise and experience. It is not a general insurance or an extension of other covers such as employers’ liability or public liability. Most firms need bespoke coverage designed by people who understand the exposures and the PI insurance market. This is where Health Lambert’s experienced PI team can help.
To read the full account, please click on the link below:
http://www.bobsguide.com/guide/news/2008/Feb/13/Heath_Lambert_issues_its_State_of_the_Market_Report_2008.html
Mesothelioma: 9/11’s Silent Killer
Best Syndication California reporte that on September 11, 2001, 2,602 people died in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Thousands more may die a slow and painful death caused by exposure to asbestos released in the collapse of the towers. Immediately after the attacks over 100,000 people were exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos and over 670,000 New Yorkers may still be at risk for developing environmental illness.
Mesothelioma is cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma can take 10 to 50 years to appear, but once the disease is diagnosed it progresses rapidly and most patients have less than a year to live. Asbestos levels after the 9/11 attacks were so extreme that symptoms have appeared as soon as two years after exposure.
The danger could have been minimized. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) repeatedly tried to issue warnings about the threat of airborne contaminants. These warnings would have given emergency workers and others the chance to protect themselves from airborne contaminants. The warnings were removed from the EPA press releases by the White House Council on Environmental Quality. In April, 2007, the U.S. Court of Appeals issued a decision supporting the Council’s actions.
One of the first to dies was emergency responder Deborah Reeve who developed symptoms of asbestos related illness in 2003 and was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2004. While she was trying to save the lives of others during the aftermath of 9/11 she was unknowingly being exposed to massive amounts of asbestos which led to her own death in 2006.
In the words of her husband David, “(Deborah) got killed on September 11, and she didn't die until March 15, 2006. She got killed and didn't know.”
The evidence was hiding in a shirtYehuda Kaploun worked at ground zero for about 48 hours immediately after the collapse. He saved the shirt he was wearing to honor the fallen of 9/11. In April, 2006, the New York Post reported that when a portion of that shirt was analyzed, it was found to contain 93,000 times the amount of chrysotile asbestos normally found in American cities.
The World Trade Center Cough - In April, 2007, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 62% of those caught in the dust cloud, and 46% of those not caught in the cloud but living or working in the area now suffer from respiratory problems.
The Mount Sinai Medical Center’s World Trade Center health study found that 85% of its 70,000 participants suffer from respiratory problems. First responders have been suffering respiratory problems since immediately after the attacks.
To read the full version please click on the link below:
http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=20080212_meslothelioma_lung_cancer.htm
Mesothelioma is cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma can take 10 to 50 years to appear, but once the disease is diagnosed it progresses rapidly and most patients have less than a year to live. Asbestos levels after the 9/11 attacks were so extreme that symptoms have appeared as soon as two years after exposure.
The danger could have been minimized. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) repeatedly tried to issue warnings about the threat of airborne contaminants. These warnings would have given emergency workers and others the chance to protect themselves from airborne contaminants. The warnings were removed from the EPA press releases by the White House Council on Environmental Quality. In April, 2007, the U.S. Court of Appeals issued a decision supporting the Council’s actions.
One of the first to dies was emergency responder Deborah Reeve who developed symptoms of asbestos related illness in 2003 and was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2004. While she was trying to save the lives of others during the aftermath of 9/11 she was unknowingly being exposed to massive amounts of asbestos which led to her own death in 2006.
In the words of her husband David, “(Deborah) got killed on September 11, and she didn't die until March 15, 2006. She got killed and didn't know.”
The evidence was hiding in a shirtYehuda Kaploun worked at ground zero for about 48 hours immediately after the collapse. He saved the shirt he was wearing to honor the fallen of 9/11. In April, 2006, the New York Post reported that when a portion of that shirt was analyzed, it was found to contain 93,000 times the amount of chrysotile asbestos normally found in American cities.
The World Trade Center Cough - In April, 2007, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 62% of those caught in the dust cloud, and 46% of those not caught in the cloud but living or working in the area now suffer from respiratory problems.
The Mount Sinai Medical Center’s World Trade Center health study found that 85% of its 70,000 participants suffer from respiratory problems. First responders have been suffering respiratory problems since immediately after the attacks.
To read the full version please click on the link below:
http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=20080212_meslothelioma_lung_cancer.htm
Asbestos cash hope
News and Star.co.uk Cumbria 13/02/2008 reported that West Cumbrian residents fighting for compensation over potentially lethal asbestos in their homes have been given a helping hand by the Prime Minister.
People living on Moor Place, Frizington, were forced to give up a legal bid two years ago after court costs proved too expensive for them to bear.But after pleading for help from 10 Downing Street, they have received a letter telling them the housing ombudsman is now looking into their case.T
hey want money to compensate them for the stress they have suffered after discovering the asbestos in 2005 and also to help them pay for work to clean up their homes.If they are successful they say it could blow open the floodgates for billions of pounds worth of similar claims up and down the country.
The asbestos claims relate to 25 terraced homes on Moor Place, bought from Home Housing by residents, which were found to contain the potentially deadly substance, primarily in the ceiling of heating cupboards. Asbestos was also found in another 25 tenanted properties and 12 bungalows in the road as well as two other Frizington estates, Griffin Close and Priory Drive.
To read the full story click on the following link:
http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=599258
People living on Moor Place, Frizington, were forced to give up a legal bid two years ago after court costs proved too expensive for them to bear.But after pleading for help from 10 Downing Street, they have received a letter telling them the housing ombudsman is now looking into their case.T
hey want money to compensate them for the stress they have suffered after discovering the asbestos in 2005 and also to help them pay for work to clean up their homes.If they are successful they say it could blow open the floodgates for billions of pounds worth of similar claims up and down the country.
The asbestos claims relate to 25 terraced homes on Moor Place, bought from Home Housing by residents, which were found to contain the potentially deadly substance, primarily in the ceiling of heating cupboards. Asbestos was also found in another 25 tenanted properties and 12 bungalows in the road as well as two other Frizington estates, Griffin Close and Priory Drive.
To read the full story click on the following link:
http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=599258
Payout for asbestos poster girl
Manchester Evening News 12th February 2008, reported that the family of a Turner and Newall poster girl have won a five figure settlement from the company after she died from asbestos related cancer.
Martha Charlson, from Rochdale, helped promote the acceptable image of T&N in its heyday, when her photo appeared in a booklet detailing the firm's history.She was pictured working at a spotless-looking asbestos spinning machine on the factory floor at Turner Brothers premises in Rochdale in 1957. But the photo was hardly a reflection of the real conditions she and hundreds of fellow workers endured.
Mrs Charlson, who died aged 64 in 2002, just months after retiring from the company, where she had been employed from the age of 16, handling asbestos treated yarn.
In a witness statement she was never able to give, Mrs Charlson said: "I clearly remember silver bits from the asbestos yarns sticking on my hands. The dust given off when the yarn was being unravelled went everywhere: in my hair, up my nose, my hands, on my clothes and all over the floor." She added: "The picture, of course, does not represent my working conditions, because all the dust was brushed up just before the picture was taken."
To read the full story please click on the link below:
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1036075_payout_for_asbestos_poster_girl_
Martha Charlson, from Rochdale, helped promote the acceptable image of T&N in its heyday, when her photo appeared in a booklet detailing the firm's history.She was pictured working at a spotless-looking asbestos spinning machine on the factory floor at Turner Brothers premises in Rochdale in 1957. But the photo was hardly a reflection of the real conditions she and hundreds of fellow workers endured.
Mrs Charlson, who died aged 64 in 2002, just months after retiring from the company, where she had been employed from the age of 16, handling asbestos treated yarn.
In a witness statement she was never able to give, Mrs Charlson said: "I clearly remember silver bits from the asbestos yarns sticking on my hands. The dust given off when the yarn was being unravelled went everywhere: in my hair, up my nose, my hands, on my clothes and all over the floor." She added: "The picture, of course, does not represent my working conditions, because all the dust was brushed up just before the picture was taken."
To read the full story please click on the link below:
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1036075_payout_for_asbestos_poster_girl_
Emergency alert as firefighters tackle asbestos blaze
Dunstable Today reported on 12th February 2008 that firefighters were forced to use emergency decontamination procedures when putting out a fire in a Dunstable garage where asbestos was known to be a potential peril.
Fire broke out in a detached garage in Wilbury Drive at 4.50pm on Monday and wrecked the household items inside it. When firefighters arrived the blaze already had a firm grip on the garage.But because there was asbestos in the roof, they were unable to go into action until they were wearing airtight suits to protect them.
Two appliances arrived from Stopsley with a decontamination unit and four firefighters in airtight suits put out the fire within ten minutes.
Neighbours and residents living opposite the garage were told to stay indoors with their windows closed.
To read the full story please click on the link below:
http://www.dunstabletoday.co.uk/dunstable-news/Emergency-alert-as-firefighters-tackle.3770315.jp
Fire broke out in a detached garage in Wilbury Drive at 4.50pm on Monday and wrecked the household items inside it. When firefighters arrived the blaze already had a firm grip on the garage.But because there was asbestos in the roof, they were unable to go into action until they were wearing airtight suits to protect them.
Two appliances arrived from Stopsley with a decontamination unit and four firefighters in airtight suits put out the fire within ten minutes.
Neighbours and residents living opposite the garage were told to stay indoors with their windows closed.
To read the full story please click on the link below:
http://www.dunstabletoday.co.uk/dunstable-news/Emergency-alert-as-firefighters-tackle.3770315.jp
LegalView Blog Notifies Readers of a New Experimental Asbestos Cleanup and Removal Method
Legal View USA reported that a new experimental asbestos removal method will begin to be used in populated areas of the United States.
The method, known as the Alternative Asbestos Control Method, uses a mixture of treated water that is sprayed onto buildings. The buildings are then demolished without removing the asbestos.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is condoning the method even though many individuals have raised concerns about asbestos dust being released into the air. The EPA began testing the method in 2007 at a private facility in Arkansas.
Asbestos is composed of minerals and was heavily used in recent decades in the construction of homes, schools and government facilities among many other structures. It was found that breathing in asbestos fibres and asbestos dust can, over time, cause an incurable form of cancer known as mesothelioma.
The EPA's experimental removal method is being touted as less costly and safer than other methods but the Public Interest group is questioning these claims.
(LegalView.com is a public service brought to you by Legal WebTV Network, LLC, a Limited Liability Corporation created by a group of the nation's most highly respected law firms: )
To read the full story please cick on the link below.
http://www.pr-inside.com/legalview-blog-notifies-readers-of-r435582.htm
The method, known as the Alternative Asbestos Control Method, uses a mixture of treated water that is sprayed onto buildings. The buildings are then demolished without removing the asbestos.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is condoning the method even though many individuals have raised concerns about asbestos dust being released into the air. The EPA began testing the method in 2007 at a private facility in Arkansas.
Asbestos is composed of minerals and was heavily used in recent decades in the construction of homes, schools and government facilities among many other structures. It was found that breathing in asbestos fibres and asbestos dust can, over time, cause an incurable form of cancer known as mesothelioma.
The EPA's experimental removal method is being touted as less costly and safer than other methods but the Public Interest group is questioning these claims.
(LegalView.com is a public service brought to you by Legal WebTV Network, LLC, a Limited Liability Corporation created by a group of the nation's most highly respected law firms: )
To read the full story please cick on the link below.
http://www.pr-inside.com/legalview-blog-notifies-readers-of-r435582.htm
Thursday, 7 February 2008
MP raises fears over BBC Resources
The Guardian reported on Jan 14th 2008 that a Labour politician is to raise in parliament concerns over the sale of BBC Resources relating to pensions and asbestos exposure.
With the BBC's resources division due to be sold off by the end of March, staff are increasingly nervous that they have not been given assurances over pensions or insurance for asbestos-related illnesses.
John McDonnell MP is now looking to raise the issue in parliament under the forthcoming employment simplification bill.
The BBC has refused to reveal details of the bidders for BBC Resources, making it more difficult for the division's 1,100 staff to decide their future.
McDonnell said some staff are "quite rightly worried about their long-term future".
"I'm going to raise the issue and will be trying to use the employment simplification bill as a hook. I believe the government needs to take this issue seriously," he added.
McDonnell told MediaGuardian.co.uk that despite BBC Resources staff being covered by the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations - which preserve employees' terms and conditions when a business is transferred to a new employer - in practice the law is often "not worth the paper it's written on".
"What we're exposing here is how TUPE is almost irrelevant - a company can manipulate the situation," he said.
"Despite having arrived at a negotiated position, when it comes to the reality, they [staff] aren't protected ... a company that takes on outsourced contacts will maximise profit by undermining terms and conditions and pensions."
The BBC Resources chief executive, Mike Southgate, told the BBC in-house magazine Ariel this week that bids for the business as a whole or in part have been "very encouraging" and "broadly in line with expectations, including staff issues".
Those companies rumoured to be interested in the corporation's studio hire business, post production, outside broadcasts and costume department include Satellite Information Service, the racecourse television company which recently lost its monopoly on UK betting shops.
Pinewood Shepperton is also believed to be interested in the BBC studios in White City and Elstree if they are sold as a separate package, but is thought to be unwilling to accept liability for pensions and staff. Final bids are due in later this month.
Some staff say there are now caught in a "pension trap" and will lose some of their pension money if they are sold off.
In addition, BBC Resources staff have a long history in working on or building sets for some of the corporation's biggest hits, including Pride and Prejudice and Blackadder.
During that time, some may have come into contact with asbestos in buildings such as BBC Television Centre in London.
Therefore the BBC has given them signed assurances that they are covered by insurance if they die of an asbestos-related illness.
However, those affected cannot get an answer as to what will happen to those assurances if BBC Resources sold off and they no longer work for the BBC.
To read the full story click on the link below:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/jan/14/bbc.television?gusrc=rss&feed=media
With the BBC's resources division due to be sold off by the end of March, staff are increasingly nervous that they have not been given assurances over pensions or insurance for asbestos-related illnesses.
John McDonnell MP is now looking to raise the issue in parliament under the forthcoming employment simplification bill.
The BBC has refused to reveal details of the bidders for BBC Resources, making it more difficult for the division's 1,100 staff to decide their future.
McDonnell said some staff are "quite rightly worried about their long-term future".
"I'm going to raise the issue and will be trying to use the employment simplification bill as a hook. I believe the government needs to take this issue seriously," he added.
McDonnell told MediaGuardian.co.uk that despite BBC Resources staff being covered by the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations - which preserve employees' terms and conditions when a business is transferred to a new employer - in practice the law is often "not worth the paper it's written on".
"What we're exposing here is how TUPE is almost irrelevant - a company can manipulate the situation," he said.
"Despite having arrived at a negotiated position, when it comes to the reality, they [staff] aren't protected ... a company that takes on outsourced contacts will maximise profit by undermining terms and conditions and pensions."
The BBC Resources chief executive, Mike Southgate, told the BBC in-house magazine Ariel this week that bids for the business as a whole or in part have been "very encouraging" and "broadly in line with expectations, including staff issues".
Those companies rumoured to be interested in the corporation's studio hire business, post production, outside broadcasts and costume department include Satellite Information Service, the racecourse television company which recently lost its monopoly on UK betting shops.
Pinewood Shepperton is also believed to be interested in the BBC studios in White City and Elstree if they are sold as a separate package, but is thought to be unwilling to accept liability for pensions and staff. Final bids are due in later this month.
Some staff say there are now caught in a "pension trap" and will lose some of their pension money if they are sold off.
In addition, BBC Resources staff have a long history in working on or building sets for some of the corporation's biggest hits, including Pride and Prejudice and Blackadder.
During that time, some may have come into contact with asbestos in buildings such as BBC Television Centre in London.
Therefore the BBC has given them signed assurances that they are covered by insurance if they die of an asbestos-related illness.
However, those affected cannot get an answer as to what will happen to those assurances if BBC Resources sold off and they no longer work for the BBC.
To read the full story click on the link below:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/jan/14/bbc.television?gusrc=rss&feed=media
Saudi Ministry tackles asbestos
Arab News RIYADH, 27 January 2008 reported that Saudi Arabian Prince Khaled, speaking to reporters at a symposium entitled, “The Dangers of Asbestos and Safe Ways of Combating Them.” said the Ministry of Defense had been among the first Saudi ministries to begin implementing the removal of asbestos from all its facilities.
“The Ministry of Defense has been working for the past six and seven years to remove this substance from all its military facilities,” he said. “We have finished the removal from military facilities in Sharourah and the southern region,” he said, adding that work was underway to remove the substance from all military facilities in the Kingdom.
Asbestos have been used for a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials (roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and asbestos cement products), friction products (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts), heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings.
To read the full story please click on the link below
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=106119&d=27&m=1&y=2008&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom
“The Ministry of Defense has been working for the past six and seven years to remove this substance from all its military facilities,” he said. “We have finished the removal from military facilities in Sharourah and the southern region,” he said, adding that work was underway to remove the substance from all military facilities in the Kingdom.
Asbestos have been used for a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials (roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and asbestos cement products), friction products (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts), heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings.
To read the full story please click on the link below
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=106119&d=27&m=1&y=2008&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom
HSE hosts asbestos leadership summit
Construction News reported on 5th February that the Health and Safety Executive, (HSE) is to host an asbestos contractor's leadership summit in Newmarket on 13th February.
The invitation-only summit will call on the asbestos removal industry to make further improvements in reducing ill-health caused by work with asbestos.
Asbestos-related disease accounts for over 3,500 deaths each year, creating what is the UK's biggest single cause of work related deaths. Around 600 of these deaths each year arise from work with asbestos in the construction industry and allied trades.
The summit follows an assessment of the industry's performance which revealed that despite significant improvements in recent years, there is still room for further advances. It aims to encourage individual organisations to determine the further steps that they can take to reduce exposure to asbestos and so lessen the incidence of disease.
To read the full report click on the link below:
http://www.cnplus.co.uk/regions/eastofengland/news/2008/02/hse_hosts_asbestos_leadership_summit.html
The invitation-only summit will call on the asbestos removal industry to make further improvements in reducing ill-health caused by work with asbestos.
Asbestos-related disease accounts for over 3,500 deaths each year, creating what is the UK's biggest single cause of work related deaths. Around 600 of these deaths each year arise from work with asbestos in the construction industry and allied trades.
The summit follows an assessment of the industry's performance which revealed that despite significant improvements in recent years, there is still room for further advances. It aims to encourage individual organisations to determine the further steps that they can take to reduce exposure to asbestos and so lessen the incidence of disease.
To read the full report click on the link below:
http://www.cnplus.co.uk/regions/eastofengland/news/2008/02/hse_hosts_asbestos_leadership_summit.html
European Unions Angered By Asbestos Decision
TUC RISKs 2nd Feb 2008 reported that a dispute is raging in Brussels over the failure of the European Commission to consult with unions on a crucial asbestos issue.
In July 2007, the European Commission extended indefinitely a derogation allowing member states to authorise asbestos use in certain limited industrial processes, the only exceptions to the otherwise total asbestos ban across the European Union.
To read the full story go to the TUC Risks website
www.tuc.org.uk/risks
In July 2007, the European Commission extended indefinitely a derogation allowing member states to authorise asbestos use in certain limited industrial processes, the only exceptions to the otherwise total asbestos ban across the European Union.
To read the full story go to the TUC Risks website
www.tuc.org.uk/risks
Asbestos sufferers in pleural plaques protest
TUC RISKs 2nd Feb 2008 reported that trade unionists and asbestos support groups from across the country have called for compensation for asbestos related pleural plaques to be reinstated.
A 29 January lobby of parliament set out to convince the government the October 2007 decision by the Law Lords to stop payouts must be overturned. The Scottish government has already said it will introduce legislation to reverse the decision.
The campaigners argue that while workers with pleural plaques do not suffer physical symptoms - the Law Lords ruled it was not a disease - they are more likely to develop asbestos-related cancers in later life. Laggers' union GMB said 30 per cent of its members diagnosed with pleural plaques go on to develop the incurable asbestos cancer mesothelioma.
Speaking last week ahead of the demonstration, UCATT general secretary Alan Ritchie said: 'The Law Lords decision was wrong and is a major injustice for thousands of workers. Urgent legislation is essential to compensate workers who through no fault of their own have had their health damaged.' Writing in the Tribune newspaper, GMB political officer Steve Kemp said: 'The only winners... in the pleural plaques case were the insurers who could save as much £1.4 billion as a result of the decision... It placed the business interests of a wealthy industry ahead of the suffering of ordinary working men and women.'
GMB national health and safety officer John McClean said: 'GMB believe pleural plaques to be a disease and medical textbooks describe them as such. The law has always accepted that scar tissue on the outside of the body is an injury so we believe that scar tissue on the inside of the body to be an injury. Scarring is an injury wherever it occurs. People with pleural plaques suffer with stress and the fear of death all their lives - fearing that plural plaques could develop into mesothelioma.'
A 29 January lobby of parliament set out to convince the government the October 2007 decision by the Law Lords to stop payouts must be overturned. The Scottish government has already said it will introduce legislation to reverse the decision.
The campaigners argue that while workers with pleural plaques do not suffer physical symptoms - the Law Lords ruled it was not a disease - they are more likely to develop asbestos-related cancers in later life. Laggers' union GMB said 30 per cent of its members diagnosed with pleural plaques go on to develop the incurable asbestos cancer mesothelioma.
Speaking last week ahead of the demonstration, UCATT general secretary Alan Ritchie said: 'The Law Lords decision was wrong and is a major injustice for thousands of workers. Urgent legislation is essential to compensate workers who through no fault of their own have had their health damaged.' Writing in the Tribune newspaper, GMB political officer Steve Kemp said: 'The only winners... in the pleural plaques case were the insurers who could save as much £1.4 billion as a result of the decision... It placed the business interests of a wealthy industry ahead of the suffering of ordinary working men and women.'
GMB national health and safety officer John McClean said: 'GMB believe pleural plaques to be a disease and medical textbooks describe them as such. The law has always accepted that scar tissue on the outside of the body is an injury so we believe that scar tissue on the inside of the body to be an injury. Scarring is an injury wherever it occurs. People with pleural plaques suffer with stress and the fear of death all their lives - fearing that plural plaques could develop into mesothelioma.'
Asbestos groups welcome drugs decision
Risks 29th Jan 2008 reorted that groups supporting families affected by asbestos disease have welcomed the approval of the most effective drug treatment for the cancer mesothelioma.
On 23 January drug approvals agency NICE announced it had cleared the use of Alimta for the treatment of mesothelioma. Final approval came after it rejected an appeal against its July 2007 decision to allow the NHS to use the drug. The Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum said the decision brought to an end 'one of the worst examples of postcode lottery funding. While mesothelioma patients in Scotland, the North West and North East of England received treatment, hundreds of patients were refused treatment in other parts of the UK. Mesothelioma is at the moment incurable, but Alimta has been shown to extend life and alleviate symptoms for many patients.
Deaths from mesothelioma have increased from 153 in 1968 to a record 2,037 in 2005, the most recent year for which figures are available.
On 23 January drug approvals agency NICE announced it had cleared the use of Alimta for the treatment of mesothelioma. Final approval came after it rejected an appeal against its July 2007 decision to allow the NHS to use the drug. The Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum said the decision brought to an end 'one of the worst examples of postcode lottery funding. While mesothelioma patients in Scotland, the North West and North East of England received treatment, hundreds of patients were refused treatment in other parts of the UK. Mesothelioma is at the moment incurable, but Alimta has been shown to extend life and alleviate symptoms for many patients.
Deaths from mesothelioma have increased from 153 in 1968 to a record 2,037 in 2005, the most recent year for which figures are available.
Weakened HSE has 'dumbed down' role
Risks 29th Jan 2008 reported that a 'serious weakening' of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and a 'dumbing down' of its strategy is leaving workers without adequate protection and at risk of deadly diseases.
In its submission to the Work and Pensions Select Committee inquiry into the operations and work of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and HSE, which heard evidence this week, the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) questioned the watchdog's strategy and called for more emphasis on prevention and enforcement. IOM's written evidence to the select committee notes that budget cuts combined with a 'serious weakening of HSE's specialist expertise' and 'an increased focus on sickness absence and incapacity, at the expense of the control of risks at work and the protection of workers from exposure to hazards... means that HSE is under-resourced to meet its core responsibilities.' I
OM adds it has particular concerns in relation to occupational diseases, such as chronic lung diseases caused by dust and chemicals and occupational cancer. The submission is also scathing about HSE's strategy. 'The shift in emphasis towards the management of sickness absence, the weakening of HSE's specialist expertise and enforcement capability, the move towards subjective risk assessments and away from data gathering, and the low public and political profile of occupational health have, we believe contributed to a 'dumbing down' of occupational health and safety particularly health,' it says. IOM also warns 'HSE seems to be trying to do too much by cooperation and persuasion, at the expense of its role in giving strong and clear direction, and in strong enforcement.' The reduced enforcement threat means 'many companies think HSE is without teeth,' the submission notes.
In its submission to the Work and Pensions Select Committee inquiry into the operations and work of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and HSE, which heard evidence this week, the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) questioned the watchdog's strategy and called for more emphasis on prevention and enforcement. IOM's written evidence to the select committee notes that budget cuts combined with a 'serious weakening of HSE's specialist expertise' and 'an increased focus on sickness absence and incapacity, at the expense of the control of risks at work and the protection of workers from exposure to hazards... means that HSE is under-resourced to meet its core responsibilities.' I
OM adds it has particular concerns in relation to occupational diseases, such as chronic lung diseases caused by dust and chemicals and occupational cancer. The submission is also scathing about HSE's strategy. 'The shift in emphasis towards the management of sickness absence, the weakening of HSE's specialist expertise and enforcement capability, the move towards subjective risk assessments and away from data gathering, and the low public and political profile of occupational health have, we believe contributed to a 'dumbing down' of occupational health and safety particularly health,' it says. IOM also warns 'HSE seems to be trying to do too much by cooperation and persuasion, at the expense of its role in giving strong and clear direction, and in strong enforcement.' The reduced enforcement threat means 'many companies think HSE is without teeth,' the submission notes.
Welder gets lung cancer payout
Risks 29th Jan 2008 reported that a former welder diagnosed with lung cancer after being exposed to asbestos has been paid provisional compensation. The unnamed former welder, 73, received the £20,000 payout after being diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2006. He was exposed to asbestos while working as a welder at Cammell Laird shipyard, an engineer for Birds Eye Foods and while employed by Laker Vent Engineering.
The lifetime non-smoker had half his lung removed immediately following his diagnosis but has been told there is a high risk of the cancer returning. He contacted Unite after being advised by his doctors to claim compensation. 'I was devastated when I found out that I had lung cancer,' he said. 'The doctor said if I did not have the operation I would not see him again. The operation went well and I am lucky to be alive but it is always at the back of your mind that it will return.
Claiming compensation was the last thing on my mind but the nurses at the hospital told me I should contact my union. I am glad I did because I now know my family will be provided for if the lung cancer returns in the future.' Joanne Candlish from Thompsons Solicitors said: 'Lung cancer cases are particularly difficult as there are many issues to overcome, but this case demonstrates that we can, and do, succeed. As the claim was settled on a provisional basis the client has the peace of mind knowing that if, God forbid, the cancer does recur or he develops another asbestos related disease he can re-open his claim for further compensation.' Recent studies have shown an unexpectedly high number of lung cancers are occurring in lifetime non-smokers, with occupational and environmental exposures to cancer-causing substances implicated.
The lifetime non-smoker had half his lung removed immediately following his diagnosis but has been told there is a high risk of the cancer returning. He contacted Unite after being advised by his doctors to claim compensation. 'I was devastated when I found out that I had lung cancer,' he said. 'The doctor said if I did not have the operation I would not see him again. The operation went well and I am lucky to be alive but it is always at the back of your mind that it will return.
Claiming compensation was the last thing on my mind but the nurses at the hospital told me I should contact my union. I am glad I did because I now know my family will be provided for if the lung cancer returns in the future.' Joanne Candlish from Thompsons Solicitors said: 'Lung cancer cases are particularly difficult as there are many issues to overcome, but this case demonstrates that we can, and do, succeed. As the claim was settled on a provisional basis the client has the peace of mind knowing that if, God forbid, the cancer does recur or he develops another asbestos related disease he can re-open his claim for further compensation.' Recent studies have shown an unexpectedly high number of lung cancers are occurring in lifetime non-smokers, with occupational and environmental exposures to cancer-causing substances implicated.
UNISON wins asbestosis payout
TUC Risks 29tth January 2008 reported that a retired member of the union UNISON, had been awarded a £25,000 payout after contracting asbestosis.
The 79 year old former joiner worked for a number of different firms during the 1950s and 1960s, and was regularly exposed to asbestos. Four of his former employers - Pochin's PLC, Cammell Laird Ship Builders Ltd, Carillion Construction (Contracts) Ltd and Sir Robert Lloyd - agreed the settlement.
His exposure to asbestos happened before he became a member of UNISON. 'This case proves just how beneficial trade union membership can be,' said his branch secretary, Glen Williams. 'Even if your exposure occurred before you became a member, you may still be entitled to the benefit of union legal aid. It also demonstrates the importance of keeping up your trade union membership upon retirement.' UNISON's solicitors had to undertake considerable detective work to track down the companies that had exposed him to asbestos, all of which had since closed.
The 79 year old former joiner worked for a number of different firms during the 1950s and 1960s, and was regularly exposed to asbestos. Four of his former employers - Pochin's PLC, Cammell Laird Ship Builders Ltd, Carillion Construction (Contracts) Ltd and Sir Robert Lloyd - agreed the settlement.
His exposure to asbestos happened before he became a member of UNISON. 'This case proves just how beneficial trade union membership can be,' said his branch secretary, Glen Williams. 'Even if your exposure occurred before you became a member, you may still be entitled to the benefit of union legal aid. It also demonstrates the importance of keeping up your trade union membership upon retirement.' UNISON's solicitors had to undertake considerable detective work to track down the companies that had exposed him to asbestos, all of which had since closed.
Banks launch project bank accounts
Construction News reported that two of the country's biggest banks have launched project bank account products aimed at the construction industry.
Barclays and Bank of Scotland have both unveiled accounts that will hold all the money on a scheme to be paid to the main contractor and all subcontractors over the course of a project.
The client, main contractor and subcontractors agree a price and a finish time for each section of the works. When the work is completed, the money is paid out automatically by the bank.
In its promotional literature, Bank of Scotland says: "Funds paid by the client are held in trust to ensure that the whole supply chain of contractors and subcontractors are paid fairly and on time."
Such accounts, which guarantee 30-day payment for subcontractors, are being recommended to all Government departments by the Office of Government Commerce as part of the fair payment charter it launched this month.
The banks' products will be officially launched at the end of April in the House of Commons.
To read the full story click on thelink below
http://www.qsweek.com/nav?page=qsweek.gen_obj_redirects.news&fixture_news=7098604&resource=7098604&view_resource=7098604
Sourced from Construction News
Barclays and Bank of Scotland have both unveiled accounts that will hold all the money on a scheme to be paid to the main contractor and all subcontractors over the course of a project.
The client, main contractor and subcontractors agree a price and a finish time for each section of the works. When the work is completed, the money is paid out automatically by the bank.
In its promotional literature, Bank of Scotland says: "Funds paid by the client are held in trust to ensure that the whole supply chain of contractors and subcontractors are paid fairly and on time."
Such accounts, which guarantee 30-day payment for subcontractors, are being recommended to all Government departments by the Office of Government Commerce as part of the fair payment charter it launched this month.
The banks' products will be officially launched at the end of April in the House of Commons.
To read the full story click on thelink below
http://www.qsweek.com/nav?page=qsweek.gen_obj_redirects.news&fixture_news=7098604&resource=7098604&view_resource=7098604
Sourced from Construction News
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