Letter: Business interests killed off asthma code
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: You report ('Campaign to highlight asthma in workplace, 26 April) on the Government's 'new' campaign - based on voluntary guidance to employers - to prevent workplace asthma.
This is, in fact, a much watered-down version of a 1992 Health and Safety Executive (HSE) proposed Code of Practice, that would have required approval by the Secretary of State for Employment.
This proposed Code of Practice, legally enforceable and much stronger than mere guidance, was dropped because of employer opposition and the current climate of deregulation in government. Thus a great opportunity has been lost to prevent much life-threatening and debilitating asthma caused by respiratory sensitisers at work.
We know of some of the more responsible UK employers who acted to protect their employees from respiratory sensitisers only when they thought the HSE was going to bring in an Approved Code of Practice. Now the Code has been watered down to guidance, they will not act because there is no 'level playing field' and they would go out of business unless all industry is forced to comply.
The irresponsible employers will continue to ignore this 'new' voluntary guidance; just as they have ignored previous voluntary HSE guidance in this area.
Yours sincerely,
A. J. P. DALTON
Senior Lecturer in Health
and Safety
School of Applied Science
South Bank University
London, SE1
26 April
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments