HSE released Mesothelioma mortality statistics 1968-2012

The Health and Safety Executive have released a new guide covering mesothelioma mortality rates during a period covering 44 years.

Here's the summary from the document:

Most mesothelioma deaths occurring now are a legacy of past occupational exposures to asbestos when it was widely used in the building industry.

The latest information shows:

• The number of mesothelioma deaths increased to 2,535 in 2012 from 2,291 in 2011. This was largely due to an increase in male deaths aged 65 years or more (Mesothelioma register).
• In 2012 there were 2 126 male deaths and 409 female deaths.
• The number of new cases of mesothelioma assessed for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit has increased from 1 985 in 2011 to 2 125 new cases in 2012 (IIDB).
• Men who worked in the building industry when asbestos was used extensively are now among those most at risk of mesothelioma.

The 7-page document is free to access online and download if you prefer.

HSE publish results of research into Hand Arm Vibration

The HSE has published a report about a study into the effectiveness of Retrofit anti-vibration devices and their influence on hand-arm vibration exposure. Here's the HSE's description of what the study covered:

"This project set out to try to determine what benefits, if any, could be gained in terms of reducing vibration exposure by retrofitting different types of anti-vibration device to different hand-held machines. Four types of device were selected for laboratory investigation: anti-vibration handles, spring balances/tensioners, a vibration reducing flange and chisel sleeves.

The results from all the different devices used in this project, with the exception of the chisel sleeves, demonstrated that an end user cannot be confident that their chosen retrofit device will in fact reduce vibration to the user and in turn reduce exposure. Indeed, the exact opposite may be true. Advice to end users should emphasise the need to speak to their suppliers to determine what, if any, retrofit devices are suitable for their particular equipment."

The full report is available as a PDF document directly from the HSE website.