THE Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) has launched a new e-learning course to help tackle construction-related occupational cancers.
‘Occupational Cancers’ is designed to raise awareness of the risks and how to mitigate them.
CCS said that with 40% of all deaths from occupational cancers arising within the construction industry, the need to support the workforce in this area has ‘never been so critical’.
The main causes of occupational cancers in construction work are said to include exposure to silica dust, asbestos, diesel exhaust emissions and UV radiation.
The e-learning module is free to the entire construction industry via the CCS’s Best Practice Hub. It follows the series of e-learning courses on issues, including Air Pollution, Drugs and Alcohol and Mental Health.
Edward Hardy, chief executive of the Considerate Constructors Scheme said, “There is no doubt that the shocking number of deaths and long-term illnesses caused by significant exposure to carcinogens in the workplace needs greater attention by everyone. We must continue to improve our standards in how we raise awareness and understanding of the risks and how to take measures to, where possible eliminate them, or at the very least minimise them.
“We call on everyone across our industry to take the ‘Occupational Cancers’ course and to encourage colleagues, friends and family members to do the same.
“The Hub also features the ‘Spotlight on…occupational cancers’ campaign which provides excellent examples of best practice in tackling this issue provided by construction sites, companies and suppliers to the industry across the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland. We anticipate more examples of best practice being shared across the coming months in order to drastically reduce the impact of carcinogens on our workforce.”
Click here to take the ‘Occupational Cancers’ e-learning course.
