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May 22, 2019

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Occupational cancers

e-learning course launched to beat construction-related occupational cancers

The Considerate Constructors Scheme has announced a new e-learning course aimed at the construction industry.

Occupational Cancer‘Occupational Cancers’ is designed to help construction workers to improve their understanding of occupational cancer risks and how to mitigate them.

Over 40% of all deaths from occupational cancers arise within the construction industry due to factors such as exposure to silica dust, asbestos, diesel exhaust emissions and UV radiation.

According to British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), construction workers are 100 times more likely to die from an occupational disease than a workplace accident. While the HSE says that those who work in construction are six times more likely to develop skin cancer than the general population.

Freely available

The ‘Occupational cancer’ e-learning module has been made freely available to the entire construction industry via the Scheme’s Best Practice Hub. It follows the recent series of e-learning courses on other cross-industry 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.”

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