Train Safe Campaign 2017 set to give tradesmen complimentary asbestos awareness training.
The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) is announcing the start of its annual Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe Campaign designed to keep small businesses and sole traders safe from the UK’s biggest workplace killer – asbestos. Now in its third year, the nationwide campaign runs from 1 September to 31 October, with free asbestos awareness training for those who need it most.
The campaign which sees UKATA members pledge hours of free asbestos awareness training has proved a real success in helping one man bands, DIY enthusiasts and others have access to training they may be unable to afford or not even realise exists. UKATA members pledged over 3,500 hours of free training in 2015 and 2016 and the hope is even more complimentary training will be available this year.
“The Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe initiative has so much value in reaching out to those small businesses who might otherwise never receive the training they need to recognise asbestos,” said UKATA General Manager Craig Evans.
“I want to thank our members again for their support and generosity in offering their services free of charge for those most in need of it.
The training will be on offer throughout the country (including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) to check availability on a course and to book a free place contact the UKATA Member directly using the details provided at www.ukata.org.uk/train-safe-work-safe-keep-safe-campaign-2017 remembering to quote the UKATA Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe campaign.
Around 20 tradesmen still die every week as a result of past exposure to asbestos. Damage caused to the lungs by asbestos can lay dormant for up to 60 years, with diseases like mesothelioma responsible for the death toll amongst small traders that includes eight joiners, six electricians and four plumbers.
“Those like small traders in the front line of asbestos exposure need support and the Train Safe campaign is designed to do that, by removing cost as an excuse for people not having the necessary training,” added Craig. “I would like to thank all our members taking part and helping tackle the issues surrounding the lack of asbestos awareness training in this country in a practical way.”
UKATA exists to set and verify standards and to emphasise the importance of best practice in training when it comes to the safe handling, removal and disposal of asbestos.
Tasked by the HSE in 2008 for taking-on, managing and developing the list of training providers for licensed asbestos work in the UK, UKATA is now the leading authority in all levels of asbestos training in the UK. A full list of Training Providers can be found by visiting: www.ukata.org.uk/training-provider-directory.
