Irwin Mitchell Asbestos experts have welcomed the recent news that the Health and Safety Executive is to reintroduce its ’Hidden Killer’ campaign to improve awareness of the dangers of the hazardous material throughout 2012.
In October 2010, the Government decided to postpone communications on the campaign, however, at a recent HSE board meeting, it has now been confirmed that the campaign will be relaunched next year.
The campaign was originally launched in 2008, which was designed to make sure those working in maintenance and refurbishment projects were informed on the risks that asbestos can pose to their health.
Asbestos claims lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have backed the recent move. Irwin Mitchell act for both victims and the families of those who have died after contracting asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma following exposure to the material.
Adrian Budgen, national head of asbestos litigation at Irwin Mitchell, said: “The dangers of asbestos are well-known to many in the construction industry, but it is vital that new generations working on maintenance and refurbishment projects are given guidance on how to handle the material in the safest possible manner.
“The campaign ‘Hidden Killers’, is a significant way of ensuring that the very serious dangers of asbestos are highlighted to tradesmen and it is excellent news that the initiative is being brought back to life for 2012.
“We see many cases through our work when people have fallen victim to asbestos-related illnesses due to negligence or their employer’s failure to act on offering them protective equipment and full guidance on the issue.
“Put simply, it could play a huge role in keeping many workers safe from future harm.”