100 businesses have now pledged to support IOSH's No Time To Lose campaign during Global Asbestos Awareness Week.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of occupational cancer and tackle work-related cancers and was launched in November 2014, by the Institue of Occupational Safety & Health in a bid to help businesses worldwide to take action and protect their workforces.
Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd is the 100th organisation to commit to the No Time to Lose pledge, a six-step plan to capture key actions each organisation is planning to take, or is already taking, to manage carcinogenic exposures in the workplace.
Shelley Frost, IOSH Executive Director of Policy, said: “It’s estimated that cancer related to work causes about 666,000 deaths a year worldwide, and the biggest killer is asbestos. So it’s good timing, during Global Asbestos Awareness Week this week, that we can announce our 100th pledger for No Time to Lose.
"Through the efforts of these outstanding businesses, almost half-a-million employees are now aware of carcinogens such as asbestos, diesel fumes, silica dust and solar radiation.
“It’s fantastic to see support for our campaign growing day by day, but there’s still more that needs to be done.
“Next year we’ll be launching free resources to help businesses worldwide raise awareness of, and manage, the risks of exposure to asbestos. We believe by working together, we can beat occupational cancer.”
Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd is based in the UK and Ireland, employs 200 people and has an annual turnover in excess of 90 million Euros.
Johnathan Wills, Director of Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd, said: “Depending on the project, all of the causes of cancer highlighted on the No Time to Lose website are relevant to our workplace.
“Assurance of the health and wellbeing of employees, the public, and other stakeholders is the most important consideration for Wills Bros on each of our contracts.
“Everyone has a right to a long, healthy and happy life. Supporting IOSH’s No Time to Lose campaign raises the profile of occupational cancers, educates our managers and workers about cancer, and helps us to focus on key activities for risk assessment.
“Backing this campaign also helps us in meeting our moral and legislative requirements as an employer and principal contractor.”
Recent signatories also include VS Rail, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, McLaren Construction Ltd, and Mapeley Estates Limited, where IOSH President Graham Parker is employed as Head of Health and Safety.
Mr Parker said: “Occupational cancer is preventable and it’s excellent to see so many companies pledging to demonstrate their commitment. Mapeley Estates Limited is proud to support No Time to Lose, which has helped us to develop management controls and systems.”
