GOVERNMENT PROCLAIMS ASBESTOS AWARENESS WEEK

The Government of Saskatchewan is proclaiming April 1-7 as Asbestos Awareness Week.  This week, marked globally by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, raises awareness about asbestos-related diseases and the risks of asbestos exposure.  According to the World Health Organization, approximately 107,000 workers around the world die each year of an asbestos-related disease.

“It’s important that workers know about asbestos and how to safely handle it so they can prevent exposure,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said.  “Older buildings may contain asbestos, so taking further action, like the creation of a mandatory registry is important for protecting Saskatchewan workers.”

In November 2012, the province launched an asbestos information web page, created a voluntary asbestos registry and posted a new information guide, Guidelines for Managing Asbestos in Buildings.

The provincial government is now proceeding with amendments to The Public Health Act, 1994 to make asbestos reporting mandatory in public building.  This is in support of Bill 604, a private member’s bill brought forward as a result of the efforts of Howard Willems.  Willems was an advocate for public reporting of asbestos and died from a rare form of cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibres.

“The health and safety of Saskatchewan people is a priority for our government,” Health Minister Dustin Duncan said.  “We want to make sure that relevant information about asbestos in public buildings is easily accessible and available to residents.”

The protection of workers in public buildings and other workplaces is regulated by The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996.  More information is available at www.lrws.gov.sk.ca/asbestos.

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For more information, contact:

Shannon McMillan
Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0253

Tyler McMurchy
Ministry of Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083