Reps protect workers from asbestos risks

Prompt action by union safety reps has resulted in an agreement for the safe demolition of a building containing asbestos.

When Royal Mail announced that the former ParcelForce IDC Building in Canning Town, London was to be demolished, safety reps Steve Smith and Peter Concannon from the CWU communication workers’ union worked with the union’s national safety officers to negotiate a joint statement with the company on safeguards during the demolition work.

Health and Safety Executive inspectors have already visited the site to check the method statement for the asbestos removal, and the removal process will be constantly monitored by an on-site, independent team of engineers and analysts. Air quality tests and inspections will be carried out on every removal area and around the building perimeter, with the results made available on noticeboards. And the building will be securely segregated from the rest of the site while the removal work takes place.