You’re more at risk than you think

Wychavon District Council have joined up with the Health and Safety Executive on a nationwide Asbestos Awareness campaign entitled ”You are more at risk than you think!’

Did you know:

• More people die from asbestos related disease per year than are killed on the roads.
• Every week 20 tradesmen die from asbestos related disease.
• Every week 6 electricians die from asbestos related disease.
• Every week 3 plumbers die from asbestos related disease.
• It can be present in any building built or refurbished before the year 2000.

Eamon Rodgers, Environmental Health Officer, said ”This is still a big issue as asbestos remains in many buildings. We want to raise people’s awareness again and information is available if people have concerns.”

The campaign is taking place throughout February and March 2008 and is aimed at those workers who may come into contact with asbestos on a day to day basis.

Asbestos was used extensively as a building material in Great Britain from the 1950’s through to the mid-1980’s. Any type of building built before 2000 (houses, factories, offices, schools, hospitals etc.) could contain asbestos. Asbestos materials in good condition are safe unless the asbestos fibres become airborne, which happens when the materials are damaged. Airborne asbestos fibres can be deadly if they are inhaled over a long period of time.

Throughout Wychavon promotional packs will be available at building suppliers, DIY outlets and plumbing suppliers to raise awareness of potential asbestos exposure. Further information is available from the Environmental Services Section at Wychavon District Council. On 01386 565015 or through environmentalhealth@wychavon.gov.uk

Local event supports food workers

Wychavon are working with Health and Safety Executive in Worcester on an original and informative event for local food and catering businesses.

The event takes place 9 – 1pm – 4th March at Evesham Town Hall and is open to all food and catering businesses.

The event will provide information on how food businesses can prevent dermatitis, avoid slips and trips, which are a major cause of accidents and ill-health, and will also touch on the best ways of informing migrant worker employees about health and safety issues.

Debbie Herbert, Commercial Services Manager said “We’re really pleased to be offering this event in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive and it will provide a really good opportunity for local businesses to get all this information in one place.”

Any businesses who wants to attend, please contact Karen Thompson on 01386 565340 and reserve your space.

New Leisure Centre a step closer

Wychavon District Council has signed the contract for a new £10.75 million leisure centre for Evesham.

The Council will be working with contractors Galliford Try to construct the new centre on Abbey Road, Evesham, which will replace the existing 30 year old centre in Davies Road.  The current centre will remain open until the new one is complete.

The new facility will include two swimming pools, a large sports hall, health suite with spa pools, sauna and steam room, a climbing wall and a café area. 

Leader of Wychavon District Council, Cllr Paul Middlebrough, said: “This marks an important stage in the development of a new leisure centre for Evesham.  We are delighted to be working with Galliford Try on this exciting project.”

Work is due to start on site in March 2008 and the new leisure centre is due to open in summer 2009.