Trident Medical Services (TMS), an occupational health services provider based in the Thames Valley, has today pledged its support to the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health’s (IOSH) No Time to Lose campaign, which aims to bring businesses together to beat occupational cancer. 

The campaign is working to: raise awareness of a significant health issue facing workers in the UK and internationally; suggest some solutions on a UK scale to tackle the problem – a national model that can be transposed internationally; offer free practical, original materials to businesses to help them deliver effective prevention programmes. Asbestos is the best known carcinogen – and the biggest killer, estimated by the Health and Safety Executive at causing around 5,000 deaths a year in the UK. There are also well over 50 substances listed as known or probable causes of workplace cancer. 

Fiona Penfold, Managing Director of TMS, said: “As occupational health experts specialising in the high-risk and regulated industries, we whole-heartedly support this campaign to raise awareness. It is crucial that businesses are aware of the risks and are putting measures in place to proactively reduce these risks, and monitor their workforce to ensure their health isn’t affected due to their work. All businesses should be reviewing their risk assessments and occupational health provision and be confident that they are not only working within the law, but also putting the health of their staff at the top of their agenda”. 

TMS advises that companies ensure they are aware of the legislation that applies to their business and that they are carrying out any required regular health surveillance to ensure the protection of their employees. A reputable occupational health provider can provide advice and guidance on what steps to take. TMS has HSE-appointed doctors for ionising radiation, lead, asbestos and COSHH Schedule 6.