Insurance Industry Urged to Help Cut Asbestos Deaths

The insurance industry is being urged to fund research into mesothelioma, the deadly cancer affecting the lungs which is caused by breathing in asbestos dust.

The call for more research into the disease came from the British Lung Foundation’s honorary medical adviserDr John Moore-Gillon, a respiratory health expert.

Little is known about mesothelioma, despite the fact that the UK has the world’s highest rates of the disease. What we do know is that those affected are often people who worked in certain industries during the 1980s when asbestos was used extensively. Back then, there was little asbestos awareness, not to mention the training or asbestos certification that’s available today.

The disease is most prevalent in those who worked in industries like construction, shipbuilding, engineering and power generation, where there was a greater risk of heavy exposure to asbestos.

We also know that around 2,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year and that the Department for Work and Pensions has estimated a death toll of between 56,000 and 63,000 over the next 30 years if current trends continue.

Although the symptoms of mesothelioma can take decades to develop, once diagnosed mesothelioma is a swift killer,with many people living just months after their diagnosis. There is no cure and there are currently few effective treatments.

With asbestos related diseases continuing to blight the lives of those who have been exposed to the killer substance as well as their families, the call for research into the disease is gaining momentum.

Having insurers fund research into mesothelioma could be turn the tide on this deadly disease. More research could change the long-term outlook for those affected by mesothelioma and their families. 

But it could also work in the favour of the insurance companies too, by seeing the amount of compensation they have to pay out decrease.

Insurers are expected to end up paying out more than £11bn in compensation in the coming years. If a fraction of this could be used to fund research into mesothelioma, it could benefit some of the thousands of people affected, not to mention society as a whole.

Of course, it’s too late to help those who are already affected by asbestos related diseases but nowadays we are far more aware of the risks of working with asbestos.  Employers are largely aware of their responsibilities when it comes to the welfare of their staff, and pay the utmost regard to their duty to protect the health and safety of their employees.

Asbestos was banned as a building material during the 1980s, however having been used so widely prior to the law changes, asbestos still leaves a devastating legacy today.

Asbestos awareness training is as essential as ever. Natas have been providing high-quality asbestos training since 1996.

Natas asbestos training courses are recognised in the industry and also by the Health and Safety Executive for providing credible asbestos awareness training.

The company offers a comprehensive range of asbestos training to ensure that companies remain compliant and up-to-date with rules and regulation governing asbestos.

From award-winning asbestos awareness training and e-learning packages for large organisations, to asbestos awareness certification for individuals wanting to work in the industry, Natas offer a selection of cost-effective and flexible packages to suit different budgets and requirements.

Find out more about asbestos awareness certification and free asbestos awareness training at Natas.

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Where Should You Turn to Organise Truck Shipping to Places all Around the World?

It is now easy, secure and affordable to ship any kind of vehicle overseas to places all around the world. This is particularly useful for those working abroad who need to use their own trucks and heavy machinery – the right company will be able to do this for you and make it a simple process.

Plenty of vehicle owners need their vehicles when they go overseas, especially if it is for work. Construction companies and other similar businesses often look for work overseas because it gives them more options and can be a great way to work on some exciting projects and to make more money. In many cases you will want all of your own vehicles and machinery to complete the work – although this may initially sound like something that will cost a great deal and also be stressful, there are ways of getting things sorted with the minimum of fuss. 

It is actually simple and straightforward to get trucks and plant equipment shipped to places around the world, as well as being good value – generally you will find that you only have to pay for the space that you take up on the vessel. The best companies will be able to ship all kinds of vehicles for you and all around the world, so no matter what you need exporting and where you need it go they will be able to help you to get it done both safely and securely. In many cases these expert shipping companies will also be able to assist with the paperwork and formalities that are attached to the importing and exporting of vehicles, so this really helps to reduce the stress and make it a simple process for you. 

With truck shipping and other similar-sized vehicles and machinery they are usually too big to be loaded into their own containers, so a roll-on roll-off method is best. Your vehicle that needs to be shipped can be collected from you if you wish, and it will then be taken to a UK export terminal and put onto the next available vessel. You will need to provide the shipping company with the dimensions and weight of your vehicle, as this will allow them to come up with a suitable quote. You will be paying for the space that you take up on board, so you will need to provide them with totally accurate dimensions. You can be sure that everything on board will be kept totally safe and secure, and before long it will be ready for collection on the other side. 

These companies can make what initially seems like a complicated process into a very straightforward and easy one so you will not have to worry at all. With such an easy process it allows you to take on work and projects overseas, and you will have all of your own vehicles and machinery available to you as well. Contact one of these shipping companies today to begin the process and to find out more information – once they collect your vehicle it will be in their expert hands and you can be sure that it will be delivered safely, securely and in good time as well.

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