A timber and building materials supplier, Jewson, has joined forces with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in order to help warn tradesmen of the dangers of asbestos.

Jewson's network of 500 branches across the UK backed the Asbestos: the Hidden Killer campaign.

Jewson provided information leaflets to all its customers.

Each week, approximately eight joiners, six electricians and four plumbers die from asbestos-related diseases, representing approximately 25 per cent of the 4,000 people who die every year.

Research shows that tradesmen in particular think that asbestos is a historical problem and they are not at risk, however asbestos may be present in any building constructed or refurbished before the year 2000, and it is estimated that around 500,000 workplace premises could still contain asbestos.

Steve Coldrick, HSE's Asbestos Programme Director, said: "Sadly there is nothing we can do to stem the tragic loss of workers who were exposed to asbestos in years gone by. But we can listen to their stories - and the one thing we hear time and again from older workers is that they were never told about the risks of working with asbestos.

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"With this campaign we can educate today's workforce about the risks and what action they need to take to protect themselves from this deadly dust. If tradesmen are not sure whether there is asbestos present where they are working they should stop and check. We cannot allow this hidden killer to claim another generation of tradesmen."

Kevin Crawley, Health & Safety Director at Jewson added: "The risk of asbestos exposure is still very real, and, with a network of 500 branches across the UK and regular contact with thousands of people in the trade every day, Jewson is in a position to communicate to those who are most likely to come into contact with asbestos within their work environment.

"Although asbestos is no longer used within the construction process it represents a real danger to those working on buildings created before 2000, of which there are many. It is, therefore, crucial that we continue to push this message in order to reduce the number of fatalities it causes each year."

Tradesmen can get a free asbestos information pack by calling 0845 345 0055 or by visiting www.hse.gov.uk/hiddenkiller for further information. The free information pack provides information on the dangers of asbestos, highlighting where materials containing asbestos may be present in buildings, what they look like, how they should be dealt with and where to find training.