Posted on March 30, 2020
Each year, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) dedicates Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW) April 1-7 to increasing awareness of asbestos and preventing exposure by bringing together experts and victims from around the world to share, learn, and take action. To view all 7 days of GAAW content, please click here. We’d also like to thank the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) for sharing it’s No Time to Lose campaign resources on preventing asbestos exposure and to McOnie for their commitment in the international distribution of the GAAW press release. Be sure to follow the conversation on social media with our GAAW hashtag: #2020GAAW.
*COVID-19 INFORMATION AND AWARENESS: To protect your family and stop the spread, learn more about World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and best practices during this outbreak here*
Today, on Day Three of GAAW, we’re highlighting the lawmakers and fellow advocacy groups who work day in and day out to eliminate asbestos-caused diseases worldwide. These “Champions of Change” in Washington, D.C., and around the world are instrumental in the global struggle to ban asbestos, whether it be by passing legislation, caring for victims of asbestos-linked disease, or working to educate the public about this carcinogen. We also highlight the story of Mike: “Staying Positive.”
Many prevention and policy champions of change are dedicated to prevention, mitigation, and elimination of asbestos exposure efforts.
Without a ban, asbestos remains legal and lethal in nearly 70% of countries around the world, including the United States. This year, however, ADAO experienced momentous legislative progress. The Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (ARBAN) of 2019 was voted out of the Committee on Energy and Commerce with a strong bipartisan margin of 47-1 on November 19. The bill was originally introduced in both chambers of Congress by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ). Along with these four dedicated champions, there are more than 40 incredible cosponsors and powerful endorsees. We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the bill, both in Congress and around the world
It took years of legislative advocacy with many champions working together to get us to this point.
Meanwhile, our GAAW partner IOSH has been focusing on preventing carcinogenic exposures in the workplace by encouraging businesses to sign-up to its No Time to Lose campaign pledge, which works to prevent occupational cancer.
More than 135 businesses around the world have signed on to the pledge, a six-step action plan, which involves businesses committing to:
- Assessing the risks
- Developing and delivering a prevention strategy
- Briefing managers
- Engaging employees
- Demanding the same standards of your supply chain
- Reporting on progress made
In January, IOSH launched No Time to Lose in partnership with the Lagos State Safety Commission at its inaugural West Africa Conference: Shaping the Future of Occupational Safety and Health in Africa in Lagos, Nigeria.
In Africa, cancer caused by work claims the lives of an estimated 46,494 people a year. The launch focused on two main occupational cancer challenges in Nigeria – asbestos and diesel engine exhaust emissions.
Kayode said: “It is exciting to know that within a short period, No Time to Lose is raising awareness of occupational cancer and the prevention of carcinogens in Africa and beyond. The prospects of preventing this menace are bright for the near future.”
To find out how you can become an IOSH No Time to Lose campaign pledge signatory, visit this webpage.
Please join ADAO in thanking these many named and unnamed Champions of Change this GAAW! Do you have a Champion of Change in your life? Tell us about them on social media with the hashtag #2020GAAW. We are excited to collaborate and achieve greater, higher milestones with all our Champions as this year progresses forward.
Special thanks to our 2020 Platinum Sponsor Simmons Hanly Conroy, LLC.
Together, we make change happen.
Linda Reinstein
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