The Construction Safety Association of BC is offering a new Asbestos Awareness Training Course targeted at construction workers, owners and managers in the fall of 2008.  The course is being delivered in partnership with the Pacific Environmental Consulting, a leading provider of asbestos awareness training for the past 20 years.

Danger of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is well recognized as a health hazard and is highly regulated.  Nearly 42 percent of the fatal claims accepted by WorkSafeBC in 2007 were the result of exposure to asbestos.  Approximately 31 percent of  these deaths occurred to workers employed in construction-related industries.  Each year an average of 19 construction workers in BC die of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases representing $14.9 million in claims.

Asbestos Deaths Haven’t Yet Peaked

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral found in rock formations. Because its fibers are strong, durable and non-combustible, asbestos was widely used in construction and friction materials until 1985 and in vermiculite insulation until 1990. Over 3000 common building materials contain asbestos, such as insulation, fire proofing materials, drywall taping compounds, vinyl flooring (tiles and linoleum) and stucco. Inhalation of asbestos dust and fibre can lead to asbestosis, a respiratory disease, pleural plaques, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos is still in use in Canada today for non friable asbestos products.

A case in point is the recent class action lawsuit against a US-based company that produced Zonolite, home-insulation found to contain asbestos.  Zonolite is estimated to be in about 300,000 homes across Canada.  Homeowners who installed products including Zonolite in their homes in the late 70s were eligible for grants under the federal government’s home insulation program.  Potential health risks can arise from Zonolite if it is disturbed and is no longer enclosed, for example, during the home renovation process.

According to WorkSafeBC, the number of asbestos work-related deaths have not yet peaked.  Workers who were exposed before the implementation of safety measures in the 1960s and 1970s are only suffering the effects now.  Symptoms may not appear until 20 to 40 years after asbestos exposure.  Given this, and the increased awareness of the disease, the upward trend in asbestos related fatalities being accepted by WorkSafeBC by is expected to continue and to peak between 2015 and 2020.

Importance of Worker Safety

According to WorkSafeBC Regulations, owners/builders, employers and managers have a legal obligation to protect workers from exposure to asbestos. Health Canada has adopted strict workplace regulations on exposure limits and handling of asbestos. Deviations from proper procedures may result in significant fines.

Peter Christensen is president of Supreme House Movers, a house moving company whose business includes the recycling of houses. According to Christensen, “The launch of this training by CSABC is critical as it is not only important for workers to increase their knowledge and skills through training, but also for employers and contractors to be aware of their obligations.  I think it’s great that CSABC is offering this course.  Now everyone in the industry can go to one place for asbestos training versus having to source it on our own.”

Peter Hansen, president of Pacific Environmental Consulting concurs.  “The numbers  of construction related workplace deaths in British Columbia can be reduced through an increase in emphasis on worker safety and an increase in awareness regarding the dangers of exposure to asbestos.  It is critical for managers, owners and employees to be aware of the risks and know how to follow appropriate safety procedures when dealing with hazardous materials.

CSABC views this new course as a key to increasing workplace safety and protecting workers from the hazards of exposure to asbestos.  Its commitment is to continue to develop relevant programs to address emerging needs and issues within the construction industry. The course will include a variety of topics such as:

• The properties of asbestos and its effect on health

• Uses of asbestos in buildings and the types of asbestos related products that are being used in the construction industry 

• How to avoid the risks of asbestos

• An overview of WorkSafeBC legislation and regulations

• How workers can protect themselves 

For more information about the Construction Safety Association of BC call 604.434.3222 or 1.877.434.3222 or visit <www.csabc.ca>.