A new training initiative has been launched in Scotland which aims to save the lives of tradesmen across the country.

Over 40 colleges and training providers came together in Dundee recently to learn about the free Health and Safety Executive (HSE) training package which will help get the message across to thousands of trainee joiners, electricians, plumbers and other tradespeople about the dangers they face from asbestos and what they should be doing to protect themselves.

The 'Introduction to Asbestos' learning package includes a video interview with a 58-year old pipe fitter Christopher Morgan from London, who died in March 2010 from mesothelioma. In his message he urges tradesmen to learn about the risks and take appropriate precautions.

In Scotland 3,456 people died from the asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma, between 1982 and 2008 - it is hoped that this initiative will help prevent it claiming another generation of tradesmen.

HSE Principal Inspector Trevor Johnson commented after the launch event: "This is the latest phase of HSE's Hidden Killer campaign in our bid to tackle ignorance about Britain's biggest industrial killer. I want to encourage college lecturers and other vocational training providers to use our new learning package as part of their courses.

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"Many young tradespeople believe that, because asbestos is no longer used in buildings, it's no longer a threat to them. But that simply isn't true. The material was widely used in domestic, commercial and industrial premises. Such buildings contain asbestos materials now and will continue to do so for many years into the future."

During the autumn training providers across Scotland donated a total of 700 hours of free face-to-face asbestos awareness training for the country's tradesmen, in support of HSE's Hidden Killer campaign. This week's successful launch of the learning package will maintain momentum in raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos.

Also speaking at the event were Asbestos Action Tayside, Federation of Master Builders Scotland (FMB Scotland) and the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives (SCHWL).

Alison Blake, Manager of Asbestos Action Tayside sees the devastation that past exposure to asbestos wreaks on families on a daily basis.

"The stories are harrowing and the suffering unbearable but we need to tell these stories and show our film to bring home the dangers to the young tradespeople of the future to ensure they take care of themselves.

"I still hear of young people taking chances just to get a job finished! We need to stop future generations from suffering unnecessarily."

Following the successful event Robert Atkinson, SCHWL commented: "By engaging with colleges to reach apprentices and their employers across Scotland, we have an opportunity to once again reinforce the message that asbestos is still present in many buildings and creates a real threat to the health of those in the construction trades.

"The message to apprentices is clear, using the asbestos learning package, accessing additional support and asking about the presence of asbestos on every job could safe a life, your life."

(GK)