Occupational diseases claim 10,000 UK lives each year

April 30, 2002

29 April 2002

LONDON

By health-newswire.com reporters

Every hour someone dies in the UK because of a fatal disease acquired

through work, say campaigners who are calling for improved occupational

health services.

Photo Munro - Health Media Ltd

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) says occupational diseases kill at least

10,000 people a year. Half of those people die from asbestos-related

diseases. Others die from cancers caused by chemicals, lung conditions

caused by dust and heart disease caused by stress.

In addition, thousands of people are killed every year in work-related

accidents, and tens of thousands suffer serious injuries and illnesses.

The TUC calls the situation a " public health disaster " and says improved

occupational health services are essential. The UK is one of the few

countries in Northern Europe where all workers do not have access to

occupational health services.

Speaking at International Workers' Memorial Day on Sunday (28/04/02),

Monks, TUC general secretary, said, " Every hour of every day, a family in

Britain loses someone they love.

" Those personal tragedies mask a public disgrace - because only a third of

British workers have access to the sort of occupational health services that

could save their lives. "

The TUC is calling for access to occupational health services for all

workers through a mixture of internal provision by employers and provision

through the NHS. The organisation also wants more resources for the Health

and Safety Executive, and more rights for workplace union safety reps to

work in partnership with employers to prevent injuries and illness.

The TUC adds that employers should be made to have a rehabilitation policy

for when workers are injured or made ill.

Health and safety failures at work cost the UK at least £18 billion a year

in lost production, treating injuries and illnesses, and compensating

victims, says the TUC.

Source: Trades Union Congress

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