We at Barr take the Health and Wellbeing of our staff very seriously, as such we were delighted to be a part of Mclaughlin and Harvey’s Respiratory Awareness Week.

Work-related respiratory disease covers a range of illnesses that are caused or made worse by breathing in hazardous substances that damage the lungs such as dusts, fumes and gases. The most prevalent of these diseases are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and silicosis.

Overall there are currently approximately 12,000 deaths each year due to occupational respiratory diseases, about two-thirds of which are due to asbestos-related diseases or COPD. In addition, there are about 35, 000 people who worked in the last year, and 130,000 who had ever worked who currently have breathing or lung problems they thought were caused or made worse by work and a further estimated 13,000 new cases.

There are a number of industries and workplace activities which are linked to a high incidence and greater risk of respiratory disease, two of which is the construction and waste management industries. Although Barr are fully aware of the hazards and risks of respiratory health it is always good to take the opportunity to raise awareness of this important issue amongst our staff, as we seek to continually improve health and safety on our sites.

The weeks activities included a training webinar held on both the 22^nd and 24^th of June, with SHEQ Advisors giving their expert advice and further insight into respiratory issues. We were then also taken through the control measures available to us by 3M and the proper maintenance of these. We would like to thank all parties who assisted with a very informative and eye opening presentation.

Throughout the week we have also raised awareness through Toolbox Talks and posters, with a few of the guys even taking the opportunity to get a photo taken showing their commitment to protecting their present and future health.