MORE than 2,800 people in the North-East have died from asbestos-related disease since 2000 and there is every indication that this death toll will continue, unless tradesmen and building maintenance workers who may be exposed to asbestos in the course of their work do more.

As part of the Hidden Killer campaign, hundreds of workers have been able to sign up to free on-line asbestos awareness sessions. If it’s relevant to you, I would encourage you to take part. It would be a couple of hours well spent.

Please visit hse.gov.uk/asbestos/trainingpledge.

Places are on a firstcome- first-served basis.

Pam Waldron, Health and Safety Executive.