Don’t hold your breath – make sure safet y guidelines are in place
Nonetheless, Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is a major means to controlling exposure for workers in many situations. The guideline lays down minimum levels of protection (Benchmarks). When contractors are involved, the responsibility for the health and safety of the contractor’s workers is shared, but the details will depend on the circumstances.
The Benchmarks are detailed to different circumstances within the poultry and egg production industries. Again, workers should be monitored by regular health checks. The guidance describes how this should be done, and this should always be taken into account when setting up new facilities.
Asthma is not curable, but with treatment someone with asthma can live a largely normal life. Inhalers are the first line of defence, with various drugs. It is important to create a personal asthma plan with a doctor or asthma nurse.
Although occupational asthma may be reducing due to better workplace control, it has been reported that Farmer’s Lung is still widespread in the USA, along with other forms of Hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by antigens.
There are over 200 substances known that can cause occupational asthma. If you suffer from a lung condition, tell your employer, so that adjustments can be made.
The HSE estimates 1,500-3,000 new occupational cases arise every year, or 7,000 including cases made worse by the workplace.
COSHH provides an Approved Code of Practice for hazardous substances. This is a legal requirement for employers, who should also inform employees of the risks and how to report any symptoms immediately. Individual reaction to substances differs. Safety Representatives need to know that just moving a sufferer to another post may leave colleagues exposed to the same risks.
Employers must also report cases of occupational asthma to the HSE. If you develop asthma you may be covered by the Disability Discrimination Act.
Safety representatives can get information on the substances involved on the HSE website at
www.hse.gov.uk\asthma.
If you have developed occupational asthma, Unite’s Legal Services can
33 uniteLANDWORKER Autumn 2023
guide you through the process of making a claim.
National health and safety adviser Rob Miguel adds, “Safety
representatives should ask for copies of the employer’s risk assessments to make sure they are preventing exposure to asthma-causing substances, and notifying them of any cases of suspected occupational asthma in the workplace.
“Measures need to be monitored to make sure they are as effective as possible. Some substances such as those covered here are more prevalent in farming than in other industries, and awareness of the specific risks needs to be raised and maintained. Safety reps are entitled to health and safety related information from their employers as set out in the safety representatives safety committees regulations, code of practice and guidance 1977.”
FIND OUT MORE
https://resources.unitetheunion .org/media/2057/safety-reps- brown-book.pdf
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