The dangers of asbestos will be amongst the workplace hazards and health issues under the spotlight at the National Painting and Decoration Show in Coventry this week (11-12 November).

The Health and Safety Executive HSE is hosting a stand at the Ricoh Arena event to promote its month-long 'Asbestos: The hidden killer' campaign, which urges tradesmen to protect themselves from breathing in the deadly fibres which they may disturb through renovation projects.


HSE officials will also be offering more general safety advice on issues such as working at height and slips, trips and falls in a bid to reduce the rate of fatalities, serious injuries and days lost through work-placed illness.

Jan Foers, Health and Safety Awareness Officer, said: "The National Painting and Decorating Show gives the trade an opportunity to find out first hand the latest advice and guidance on improving health and safety.

"In addition to promoting our asbestos awareness campaign, we will be offering advice on manual handling, handling harmful substances, dusts, fumes and gases in the air, working near vehicles, loud and continuous noise, working with power tools and working at height."

(CD/GK)