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A global campaign to tackle the terrible toll of work-related cancer is “going from strength to strength” as it registers its 300th supporting organisation.
Ahead of next week’s World Cancer Day, UK manufacturing firm Klever Furniture is the latest company to back the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health’s (IOSH) No Time to Lose drive.
It joins firms from across industry and public sector bodies around the world in supporting the campaign, which is raising awareness of the risks of exposure to cancer-causing agents in workplaces and providing advice on how they can be managed.
It is estimated that 742,000 people die every year around the world from cancer caused by workplace exposures. The campaign is focusing on four of the most common causes – asbestos, diesel engine exhaust emissions, solar radiation and silica dust.
Of the 300 supporting organisations, 116 have pledged to examine if employees are at risk of exposure and take any required preventative action.
“it is estimated that 742,000 people die every year around the world from cancer caused by workplace exposures”
Such support means that employees from around the world have had access to IOSH’s free campaign resources.
IOSH President Dr Vincent Ho said:
“Many of those who die from work-related cancer were exposed many years – even decades – ago. Sadly, it is likely there are huge number of others currently suffering from work-related cancer.
“All of these deaths and illnesses are preventable. Our campaign, with the help of our pledgers and supporters, seeks to address this. Our aim is that companies and employees will start taking preventative action now so that in years to come fewer people – and families – will suffer the terrible consequences of exposure to carcinogens.
“Reaching our 300th supporter is another significant milestone for the campaign, which goes from strength to strength. We know it is having an impact on the lives of people across the world.”
Klever Furniture, based in Blackburn, Lancashire, decided to support No Time to Lose after its Managing Director Symon Eyre attended a presentation delivered by campaign ambassador Paul Eyre – his uncle.
The company’s premises contain asbestos and Symon said they were keen to be involved to explore how they can ensure employees are safeguarded. He said:
“As a small fledgling company, we are very busy on many fronts within the workplace. However, given the fact that the fabric of the building does include asbestos, I decided it would be good to support to the No Time to Lose campaign, and use this opportunity to review the campaign literature.
“This coming year we need to check out what we need to do, and then implement the necessary procedures and/or improvements, to ensure we safeguard our employees and others now and into the future.”
The annual World Cancer Day is held on Monday 4 February to encourage a positive, proactive approach to the fight against cancer.
For more on the campaign, visit www.notimetolose.org.uk
