Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2022

The Global Asbestos Awareness Week runs between the 1 and 7 April 2022 and aims to raise awareness and educate people about the dangers of asbestos. Although banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos can still be found in the fabric of many buildings and is thought to be used in many products, mixed with other materials.

When asbestos is disturbed the fibres become airborne and harmful; if inhaled the fibres can attack the pleura or chest lining. Asbestos exposure can lead to serious diseases including asbestos related lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening and mesothelioma. It can take up to 20 – 30 years for symptoms to develop.

It is thought that around 20 tradespeople every week die each week from an asbestos related death making it the single biggest cause of work-related deaths.

If you have worked with asbestos and start to suffer with one or more of the below symptoms then it is important that you seek medical advice quickly:

• Shortness of breath
• A persistent cough
• Wheezing
• Extreme fatigue
• Pain in the chest or shoulder

If you are diagnosed with an asbestos related illness it is important you know about the financial support you are entitled too. These include:

• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefits
• Workers’ Compensation Act 1979 / Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Constant Attendance Allowance (CAA)Carers Allowance
• Blue Badge

Please contact Williamsons free on 01482 323697 for further advice and help to apply.