NEWS
NO TIME TO LOSE: IOSH LAUNCHES
OCCUPATIONAL CANCER CAMPAIGN
An industry-wide campaign to cut the number of deaths from occupational
cancer has been launched
A
ccording to conservative estimates, some 8,000 people
die from cancer and around 14,000 contract the disease
each year in the UK because of exposure to a work-related
carcinogen, such as diesel exhaust fumes, silica dust or asbestos
fibres. Worldwide, occupational cancer claims the lives of more than
666,000 a year – one death every 47 seconds.
The figures far outstrip those for fatal incidents in the workplace,
but the invisibility of carcinogens, the long latency of their effects
and a lack of knowledge continue to produce this staggeringly high
number of preventable deaths and cancer registrations.
Led by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)
and backed by business leaders, academics and charity Macmillan
Cancer Support, the No Time to Lose campaign will call for a
collaboration of government and employers “to beat occupational
cancer”.
A national database of work-related carcinogen exposure, more
research into the potential cancer risks of new technologies, a
greater focus on work cancer in medical courses and awareness
training for apprentices are all part of the call to action.
IOSH, the world’s largest professional organisation in
occupational safety and health, will also publish new guidance for
employers to help them identify and deal with cancer risks. The
Chartered body wants businesses to sign a pledge demonstrating
their commitment to controlling carcinogenic exposures in their
workplaces.
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HSE INTERNATIONAL
IOSH head of policy and public affairs Richard Jones said:
“We need a concerted joint effort to educate and protect future
generations from work-related cancer. Simple actions today will save
lives tomorrow – there really is no time to lose in tackling this global
tragedy.”
Findings of a survey of its members by IOSH found 80 per cent of
respondents felt industry was doing too little to tackle occupational
health issues, due to a lack of awareness and resources.
Dr Lesley Rushton, of Imperial College London, is lead researcher
behind the most recent study into the UK’s work cancer burden. She
said: “There’s no excuse for young people entering into work today
and being exposed to carcinogens. And we need innovative ways to
get key messages to the self-employed and those working in smaller
businesses.
“If we don’t do something now, we are going to have thousands
of occupational cancers annually, but if we take action now we can
beat occupational cancer.
“We know there are problems with exhaust fumes and shift work,
and sun exposure is a problem. We know what the problems are,
and we know how to reduce the risks. Now, we just need action.”
For more information about the campaign, its House of
Commons launch, and the No Time to Lose call to action, visit www.
notimetolose.org.uk. `
Original Source: http://www.hseinternational.co.uk/notime-to-lose-iosh-launches-occupational-cancer-campaign/