Build Safe UAE, a construction industry watchdog organization, says 2 million workers are killed annually in accidents at work or by illnesses caused by occupational exposure to toxins like asbestos
Each year on April 28th, people around the globe pause to remember those killed as a result of injuries sustained while at work, as well as those who are suffering from and have died from diseases caused by occupational exposure to various toxins, such as radon, lead and asbestos. Build Safe UAE says that last year, ten of their workers died as a result of preventable workplace mishaps, and almost half were due to falls from heights.
“530 workers were seriously injured. Every accident is preventable,” says the organization’s secretary, Elias McGrath. “…people are still being killed whilst working on projects-this is completely unacceptable.”
McGrath believes that Workers Memorial Day is an opportunity for workers and employers alike to do their part to prevent occupational accidents and toxic exposures. He urges people to pay attention to their surroundings at work, and alert the appropriate person if they see a potentially unsafe situation.
“When you see an unsafe situation, don’t ignore it…report any hazards immediately to your supervisor or employer. No one should have to end up a statistic,” McGrath asserts.
While dangerous situations that can cause falls and other bodily injury may seem like the most urgent workplace safety issue, it is also important to consider occupational exposure to toxic materials like asbestos. Asbestos, which is found in over 30 million buildings nationwide, and in countless more across the world, is a naturally occurring mineral used in a vast number of consumer products like attic insulation and floor tiles. If asbestos becomes friable and is released into the air, workers may inhale the claw-shaped fibers, which can cling to the lining of the lungs and may eventually form a malignancy known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a fatal form of cancer that has no known cure and is especially aggressive. Thousands of workers, including construction workers, firefighters, members of the military and even teachers have been exposed to asbestos while at work.
McGrath’s message of workplace safety awareness is one to consider not just today, but every day of the year.
“Safety comes first and must not be compromised…we must do everything within our control to stop accidents [at work].”
Mesothelioma.com is a trusted Internet resource for information about occupational asbestos exposure and mesothelioma cancer. Follow Mesothelioma.com on Twitter for daily news updates: @Mesodotcom.
