HSE semiconductor report response

The general union Unite has given a qualified welcome to an HSE report on hazardous substances in the semiconductor industry. Unite national officer for the sector John Rowse said the report was supposed to highlight possible risks in the industry and “move us forward from the findings of eight years ago.” But while it showed good practice in some areas, it also revealed continued failings. The union was particularly disappointed that it did not address the early days of semiconductor manufacture prior to 2002, when it believes exposure to hazardous substances was greatest. It has called for the microelectronics joint working group, a forum for discussions between Unite and the industry on health and safety issues and cancer in particular, to meet regularly and work to a formal action plan. It has not met for more than two years.

The full report is available at www.hse.gov.uk/engineering/semiconductor-manufacturers-report.pdf