IOSH NEWS

Businesses must do more to protect workers from exposure to asbestos, IOSH has warned.

The call for action comes as it’s estimated the material kills more than 230,000 people per year globally – far exceeding the previous estimate of 107,000.

Despite being banned in 55 countries, asbestos is still widely used, IOSH noted.

The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, which fi rst published the estimate, also reported that more than two million tons of asbestos is consumed annually.

And with 125 million people thought to be exposed to asbestos at work every year, deadly respiratory health impacts are predicted for generations to come, particularly in developing countries.

When launching the asbestos phase of its No Time to Lose campaign in 2018, IOSH revealed a third of respondents in a survey of tradespeople never checked the asbestos register before starting work on a new site – with half of those not even knowing there is an asbestos register.

Almost one in fi ve said if they discovered asbestos, they wouldn’t be clear about how to act.

IOSH hopes its partnership with the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization will raise awareness and encourage more people to take precautions.

For our story on shipbreaking, in which hazardous substances are endangering lives in countries including India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, turn to page 34.

WHO? A Chartered Member for 15 years, ‘Molly’ worked from home as a corporate health and safety consultant, but her condition meant she needed a break every quarter of an hour. WHAT? After learning about the fund, Molly submitted an application late last year. THE RESULT: The funding she requested was granted, and within a month Molly was able to invest in the equipment she needed to work more comfortably: a sit/stand desk, a chair and keyboard tray. NOW? Molly is now able to work for a full hour before needing a break, thanks to being able to vary her posture more easily. WHAT MOLLY SAID: ‘Without doubt, this has been a real boost to my mental health, as well as my career. I would have carried on without the support I got from the fund, but it would have taken me a long time before I could’ve afforded to buy the items I needed to make my workstation more comfortable.’

WHAT? IOSH has confi rmed awarding a record number of Chartered Fellowships in the 15-month period up to 31 March 2021. HOW MANY? A total of 65 members have achieved this level during this period. That is almost double the number of passes in the equivalent period from 2019 to 2020, IOSH said. WHAT IS IT? Maria O’Malley, head of membership engagement and development at IOSH, said: ‘Fellowships are only awarded to Chartered Members of at least fi ve years’ standing who have gone “above and beyond” and are committed to developing themselves and others.’ WHAT IT MEANS: New Fellow Fiona Perrin, senior health and safety adviser for Homes for Haringey, said: ‘Becoming a Fellow was a massive deal for me – it has been great to be recognised by one of the global leaders in safety and health.’

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

A new tool allowing members to assess their employability has been launched by IOSH. WHAT? Career Pulse is a userfriendly tool that aims to provide clear information to members about

members have achieved

between January 2020 and March 2021

how they can take the next step in their career. HOW? It asks users to self-assess against several criteria, which allows the hub to build a personalised learning path. WHERE? It is the latest addition to IOSH’s Career Hub, which includes a CV and cover letter builder, an interview simulator and e-learning content.

IOSH has congratulated 10 members who became Chartered Fellows in April and May.

The successful members are Jean Rhodes, Susannah McIntosh, Steven Mah, Mark Jenkins, Helen TapleyTaylor, Leanie Du Toit, David Cant, Anthony Kenna, Yvette Moffatt and Kenneth Brown.

Chartered Fellowship is the pinnacle of the OSH profession.

Meanwhile, many other members successfully attained CMIOSH status over the same period.

IOSH congratulates an OSH professional who recently became its youngest female Chartered Member.

Alice Jones, 23, put her success down to hard work, mentoring and updating her knowledge through IOSH webinars and resources.

She also juggles two jobs: supporting clients of a health and safety consultancy across the UK and consulting at Formula E races worldwide.

Wrexham-born Alice, who set her sights on Chartered status when starting out in her OSH career fi ve years ago, said: ‘Being CMIOSH is a massive achievement. It feels surreal.’

And her IOSH ambitions don’t stop here. Having been elected to the North Wales branch committee, Alice aims to become a Chartered Fellow by the time she’s 30. For another inspiring Chartered status journey, turn to our member interview on page 68.