PROVINCE IMPROVES PUBLIC ACCESS TO ASBESTOS INFORMATION

Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan today announced that the province will launch an asbestos information web page to improve public access.

"Our goal is to promote workplace health and safety for all Saskatchewan people," Morgan said. "We want to make sure that working people and their families learn about asbestos and how to keep themselves safe. That's why we are consolidating useful guides, regulations, and related information about asbestos on our website."

The provincial government has posted a new information guide regarding asbestos - Guidelines for Managing Asbestos in Buildings.

As well, a list of government buildings that are known to contain asbestos has been posted. School districts, universities, health regions and municipalities are encouraged to post their information on the ministry's web page.

Morgan also acknowledged Howard Willems' advocacy regarding the dangers of asbestos. Mr. Willems died on Thursday, November 8, 2012, after a long battle with mesothelioma - a rare form of cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibres.

Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause chronic, irreversible, and life-threatening lung diseases. Older buildings, especially those constructed prior to 1980, may contain asbestos. Although this asbestos is typically bound in structural materials, repairs, maintenance, renovations and other processes may disturb asbestos-containing materials and release asbestos fibres into the air.

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996 include strict requirements for the assessment and management of asbestos in buildings.

Information about asbestos and the registry can be found at www.lrws.gov.sk.ca/asbestos.

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For more information, contact:

Daniela Machuca
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3716