Trades Warned Over Asbestos Deaths Tradesmen Asbestos Warning 03.04.2008 Young tradesmen are being warned that a history of asbestos-related fatalities in the North West could repeat itself after four councils in the area were named in the top 20 for such deaths.Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Wyre and Lancaster were among the top 20 councils for deaths from mesothelioma between 1985 and 2004, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said.The HSE is targeting tradesmen, such as plumbers, electricians and joiners, in Greater Manchester with a new campaign to warn them of the dangers.Steve Coldrick, who is running HSE's disease reduction programme, said: "People regard asbestos as something only previous generations were exposed to but it is still a present danger."Anyone working in a building built or refurbished before the year 2000 should be aware that it could contain asbestos and take the necessary precautions to work safely."The campaign, Asbestos the hidden killer!, is giving free information packs to young workers after research showed that they recognised the danger of asbestos but did not think they were personally at risk.Geraldine Coombs from the Manchester office of Irwin Mitchell said: "When the use of asbestos was banned I think there was an assumption that it was an end to the problem. The truth is that asbestos remains a hidden danger for so many trades people who work in properties where there is asbestos. Asbestos does not inflict an instant injury; it is a silent killer which may take decades to take peoples lives. All trades people need to be aware, when they are working on older properties, of the dangers of this material and they need to take the necessary steps to avoid exposure to asbestos. There is no such thing as 'safe' asbestos - all types are dangerous." Press contact James Clarke Press Officer +44 (0)161 838 3169 Email James Related articles 15.02.2019Transgender Man Fights For Right To Be Recognised As Father On Child's Birth Certificate 15.02.2019Speaking To Suppliers And Anticipating Customer Trends Are Crucial When No-Deal Brexit Planning 14.02.2019Former Shipyard Worker Seeks Answers After Lung Cancer Diagnosis Is Linked To Asbestos 13.02.2019Woman Who Suffered Delayed Diagnosis Speaks Out After Trust Admits Errors 12.02.2019Another Set Of Dementia Friends Made At Irwin Mitchell's Chichester Office 12.02.2019Arbuthnot Commercial ABL Completes £12m Refinancing For R7M