Manufacturing union Amicus has called for an inquiry
into cancer risks in the computer and semiconductor manufacturing
industry following new evidence from the US.
A study by Richard Clapp of Boston University looking at death
records of men and women who had worked for IBM in the US found
“significantly greater” cancer deaths than expected based on the
national average.
Taken with previous studies covering Scotland and the West
Midlands, Amicus believes there is sufficient evidence to suggest
long-term health risks to current and former workers in the
semiconductor, chip and computer sector.
Amicus national officer Peter Skyte said, “This US study
provides powerful evidence of the increased health risks faced by
past and present workers in the computer, chip and semiconductor
industry. Government health and safety agencies and employers must
act urgently to reduce this risk to stop more people dying in years
to come.”
Amicus is calling for:
• The UK computer components/semiconductor industry to initiate
industry wide research into cancer risks in the industry, and in
particular to institute the research proposed by the HSE/DTI
feasibility study published in 2005.
• The UK computer components/semiconductor industry to identify the
health hazards involved in their work and take urgent steps to
remove toxic agents or control them to the lowest level
possible.
• Action by the Health and Safety Executive to investigate cancer
risks in the UK computer components/semiconductor industry.
• Action by the Health and Safety Commission to urgently review the
control of toxic substances in the UK computer
components/semiconductor industry.
• Action by union safety representatives to require employers to
reduce health risks.
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