With the numbers of people dying each year from asbestos-related diseases in the UK continuing to rise, the UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA), has teamed up with British Lung Foundation (BLF) through its Mesothelioma Patron Scheme to raise awareness, fund research and support the victims of asbestos-related diseases.
The partnership was announced at UKATA’s AGM by Cheryl Lenny, Research Networks and partnerships manager at BLF, the UK’s only charity dedicated to lung health.
The UK has the fourth highest mortality rate from lung disease in Europe. Deadly lung conditions, such as mesothelioma, can be contracted from the improper handling and managing asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Despite it being banned in the UK 20 years ago, asbestos is still present in thousands of buildings nationwide. It is the single biggest cause of work-related deaths, killing 20 tradespeople alone in the UK every week. The risk is not limited to tradespeople, however, and both organisations are committed to raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos amongst the population.
With UKATA being the largest not-for-profit asbestos training providers association in the UK (its members train in excess of 200,000 people each year) it is hoped the BLF/UKATA partnership will enable many more people to be aware of the dangers of asbestos.
Welcoming UKATA, Ian Jarrold, head of research at the British Lung Foundation, said: “We’re delighted that UKATA, a leading authority on asbestos training, has become a BLF Mesothelioma Patron, and we’re grateful for their generous donation. It’s thanks to everyone who donates to the BLF, including our fantastic corporate partners, that we’re able to invest in much needed research, and give hope, help and a voice to patients with mesothelioma across the UK.”
For anyone who works with or might potentially come into contact with asbestos at work, the UKATA-approved Asbestos Awareness Course is delivered throughout the UK. Members of the not-for-profit Association deliver the half-day, low-cost course either online or at venues to ensure easy accessibility for people who wish to work safely around asbestos.
UKATA’s chief operating officer, Craig Evans, explained: “Asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma, are the cause of over 5,000 deaths in the UK each year. It is our mission to remain at the forefront of asbestos training and awareness, highlighting the risks associated to working with asbestos and promoting safe working practices via our national directory of competent training providers.
“Inclusivity is at our core. It is through this that we ensure that we positively influence standards and related asbestos legislation.
“Working with British Lung Foundation provides a great platform to work collaboratively to raise awareness and further support fundraising initiatives to fund research and support those affected by lung conditions caused by asbestos-related diseases.”
UKATA approved training is accessible throughout the UK. To find out more about the Association, or to find a UKATA approved asbestos training provider near you, visit www.ukata.org.uk or for free advice call the UKATA team on 01246 824437.
To find out more about British Lung Foundation, advice about asbestos-related lung disease or you would like to make a donation, please visit www.blf.org.uk or call their helpline on 03000 030 555.
