Rail companies have been urged to take action to reduce the number of deaths from work-related lung cancers.
On World Lung Cancer Day, the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has called on businesses to help save lives by accessing awareness-raising practical resources on cancer-causing carcinogenic exposures at work.
According to IOSH, in Britain alone, asbestos-related cancer kills 5,000 people every year, with silica dust claiming 800 lives and diesel engine exhaust emissions taking the lives of more than 600.
To tackle this significant health issue, IOSH has developed resources as part of its No Time to Lose campaign.
More than 100 businesses from around the world have already signed-up to IOSH’s campaign, including Laing O’Rourke and MTR Corporation.
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IOSH president Craig Foyle said: “Occupation-related lung cancer is preventable. IOSH has developed a range of resources, from factsheets explaining how to develop a prevention strategy to toolbox talks, leaflets and posters to help engage and educate the workforce.
“We’re also encouraging businesses worldwide to sign-up to our pledge to protect employees from carcinogenic exposures. The pledge is a six-step action plan which captures what organisations are doing, or planning to do, to tackle harmful exposures.”
World Lung Cancer Day is organised by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies to support those impacted by lung cancer.
To access the free resources and help prevent exposure to asbestos, silica dust and diesel engine exhaust emissions, go to: www.notimetolose.org.uk.
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