1. Health and Safety Update October 2016
H&S challenges and opportunities in the workplace: let’s eradicate asbestos!
Susan Murray
National HS Adviser, Unite the Union

2. Unite asbestos awareness campaign
Asbestos in Schools and Joint Union Asbestos Committee
International Action
Asbestos Eradication Campaign

3. All asbestos can cause cancer

4. Schools asbestos campaign
Asbestos in Schools group Chaired by Rachel Reeves MP Members include MPs, unions, victims’ groups, asbestos experts, local authority representatives, Hazards campaign

5. JUAC – the Joint Union Asbestos Committee
ASCL, ATL, GMB, NAHT, NASUWT, NUT UCATT, UNISON, Unite, VOICE

6. JUAC action/achievements include
Establishment and continuation of a DfE Asbestos in schools steering group
DfE review of asbestos policy in schools
Revised DfE guidance for schools
DfE property data survey and accountability questionnaire for head teachers
Advice on gas masks in schools
Advice on warm air cabinet heaters
Freedom of information advice
Safety Reps’ advice leaflet .. And more

7. WW11 Gas Masks

8. Asbestos in warm air cabinet heaters

10. International Action

12. theAll party group on occupational safety and health in parliament published this discussion paper in It sets out the case for a new law to eradicate asbestos which a clear timetables for this action to be taken:
All commercial, public and rented domestic premises have to conduct and register with the HSE a survey done by a registered consultant which indicates presence of asbestos, where it is and what condition it is in. Do no later than 2022.
Where asbestos is found in any premises all refurb, repair or remedial work done in the vicinity of the asbestos containing materials, should include the removal of the asbestos. If no work is planned then the duty holder must develop and implement a plan for the removal all asbestos as soon as practicable but no later than For schools and public buildings do by 2028.
HSE and other enforcers develop workplace inspection programme to verify that asbestos is properly marked and managed and be resourced to do this.
Before any house sale is completed a survey should be done including a survey of asbestos present. ACM must be labelled and information must be given to contractor working on the house.
TUC guidance produced and the ETUC will have it as a priority for next year. Parliamentary activity is on hold until the Commons resumes.
Keep in touch with your own union bout the campaign.
While talking about parliamentary activity, the all-party group has for about 15 years had an asbestos sub-committee to examine issues concerning asbestos exposure both in terms of prevention and support for sufferers of asbestos related diseases. Campaigners, unions, lawyers join together to lobby, raise questions in HC, intervening in and initiating debates and publishing papers like this. They also hold an annual seminar at the HC often addressed by international campaigners and medical experts.

13. Up to date and accessible records Asbestos management plan
Asbestos survey
Up to date and accessible records
Asbestos management plan
Labelling of asbestos
Regular inspections of asbestos
Asbestos awareness training
Notify contractors
Working in other premises
Recording exposures
Asbestos removal plan
Consult safety representatives
TUC - Asbestos: time to get rid of it leaflet– checklist:
Check these things have

15. Unite agenda for good workplace health and safety
ERADICATE ASBESTOS FROM ALL WORKPLACES
Justice, fairness, equality & dignity at work
Workers knowing how to raise concerns and feeling able to do so without fear of victimisation
Dealing positively with health and safety
Involving safety representatives
Participative research: Hazard and Body Mapping
Designing work - and PPE - to fit the workers

16. Unite is committed to improving health and safety in all workplaces
Union organised workplaces should be safer and healthier than non-organised workplaces