Bakers At Risk Of Developing Asthma At Work
08/05/2009
British bakers are being warned that they could be at greater risk of developing asthma at work following a Health and Safety Executive report.
In the run-up to national asthma week, a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report has suggested that bakers are 80 times more likely to develop occupational asthma than the average British worker.
The cause of the illness, typically flour and other bakery dusts, could lead to the development of asthma, shortness of breath, wheezing and painful coughing unless precautions are taken, according to HSE. In an attempt to raise awareness of the dangers, it is sending bakeries copies of a pocket card containing advice for workers on what they can do themselves to protect their health.
Steve Coldrick, director of disease reduction at HSE, said: "Flour might seem harmless compared with chemicals used in other industries, but the truth is that unless it is handled correctly it can lead to serious health problems. In extreme cases sufferers of occupational asthma may not be able to return to work."
He added that by using the correct equipment and making simple changes to working procedures, risk of bakers developing asthma at work could be minimised.
The HSE advises that by keeping bakeries clean and having minimum dust around exposure can be reduced.
It also advises bakers to handle flour carefully to avoid any dust clouds and to use high efficiency industrial vacuum cleaners for general cleaning.
Mark Allen, an industrial illness solicitor from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: "The incidences of baker’s asthma in the UK are alarming. I welcome the HSE raising this issue and trust that bakeries and other employers act on the HSE's advice. At Irwin Mitchell we see too many examples of cases were the employer could have easily prevented employees developing this often debilitating condition."
Back to news
If you would like us to provide you with advice with regard to your potential claim, please complete our brief claim form. We will reply to your enquiry within one working day.
Fill out our quick claim form
If you would like to speak to someone directly about your claim, please call our friendly team on:
0870 024 0558