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Snapshot Survey says Asbestos Danger Evident in British Schools!
Asbestos -we all know, and are all aware, of the hazards of the silicate that has been removed from countless places over the last few decades since its dangers were discovered. And there can’t be much worse than asbestos worries in schools really, can there…
According to sources form the BBC (source), a snapshot survey of 16 schools has indicated that some British schools continue to fail in meeting the legal requirements to protect children from the dangers of asbestos. The report of 16 schools showed that none of them complied with safety standards in place for managing the harmful substance – which is a concerning fact!
Teaching Unions have since called for a full audit to be carried out on the dangers of the potentially cancer-causing silicate, since government policy in place is for the management of the substance, not its removal. Reportedly however, many schools lack the resources to effectively manage asbestos, leaving them open to serious potential dangers, according to Atac (Asbestos Training and Consultancy Association). Association of Teachers and Lecturers general secretary Dr Mary Bousted has called for an independent body to be set up, to monitor and advise on the management and removal of the substance.
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Some British schools are failing to meet a legal duty to protect their pupils from potentially deadly asbestos.
According to the BBC, a report by the Asbestos Training and Consultancy Association (or ATAC) said that none of the 16 schools it surveyed were meeting health and safety rules on managing the substance.
Teaching unions want a full audit of the danger from asbestos, which can cause a lethal form of cancer. The government’s current policy on asbestos is that it should be left in place and managed rather than removed. However, the survey has revealed that many schools lack the resources to manage asbestos safely.
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National Express has introduced a system to measure the alcohol levels in its coach drivers.
According to the BBC, the breathalyser style device operates to disable the vehicle if the driver is over the limit and the company’s Birmingham control room is then alerted.
The system was put in to place following a National Express employee being found guilty of driving dangerously and with excess alcohol in 2008, after his coach crashed and overturned on the M1.
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It’s a familiar story in the South again today, as heavy overnight snow in parts of east and south Kent has led to hazardous driving conditions and the closure of schools.
According to the BBC, as much as 15cm (6in) of snow has fallen in some areas.
The weather has caused considerable problems for those using the M20, A2 and A258 and rail passengers have also been warned to expect cancellations.
Eurotunnel has suspended services at Folkestone after safety concerns were raised about getting lorries on to trains in the snow.
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Gordon Brown has today provided more details of plans to ensure that everyone in England who suffers from cancer receives dedicated one on one specialist nursing.
According to the BBC, the Prime Minister stated that the move would transform the experience of patients. In his speech at the health research charity, The Kings Fund, he stated regarding the proposals that “We must push forward with new and ever more stretching guarantees to secure for every family the right to get the best possible personalised health care when and where they need it”. In addition to this Mr Brown confirmed that the guarantees given would be legally enforceable.
These proposals would include the right for anyone with suspected cancer to see a specialist within two weeks of diagnosis and a commitment to ensure all cancer tests will be completed and results given in one week. Additionally Mr Brown said that one to one specialist care at home for cancer sufferers could “transform their experience” and would benefit £1.6million people.
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There are to be further improvements made in the care of premature babies in the East Midlands, health bosses have announced.
According to the BBC, £1.7 million has been invested in a new specialist transport service so babies can be quickly and safely transported to the appropriate unit after a review of the nine primary care trusts in the East Midlands identified areas for improvement.
Around 5,500 premature and sick babies require special attention and this investment will ensure that not only are the specialist hospitals at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham and Leicester Royal Infirmary able to maintain their high standards of care, it will also mean that other neonatal units in the region are able to care for babies according to their needs and that the children can be moved from unit to unit much more easily, depending on the severity of their condition.
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Women Who Have Hair Extensions Risk Developing Bald Patches
According to the BBC, research by The Trichological Society says that more and more salons are offering hair extensions at a cut price and that some hairdressers don’t have the necessary qualifications to put them in properly.
This is leading to young women suffering hair problems such as bald patches and alopecia.
Dermatologists state that the extensions put such tension on follicles in the scalp that they can become inflamed, causing hair to fall out.
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So you have paid your fair and are travelling on a bus when the next minute, CRASH, the driver has collided with another vehicle and you sustain injuries as a result.
The ticket says the bus company are not liable for the injuries I have sustained – does this mean I cannot make a claim?
When you buy a ticket for a lift on a bus, you are entering into a contract with them to provide you a lift (carriage). Under the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977, a company providing the service of a carriage cannot ‘dogde’ liability for your injuries as a passenger.
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Parents Raise Concerns Over Soldiers Care by NHS
* This article is based upon a news story that broke around the 1st of December 2009
Britain’s youngest serving soldier Jamie Cooper, 18 was injured whilst he served for England as a Royal Green Jacket Rifleman and was taken to be treated at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham alongside a number of wounded soldiers brought here to be treated.
Mr and Mrs Cooper, Jamie’s parents have written a formal letter to military leaders and also the NHS staff raising their concerns about the care that Jamie has received during his stay at the hospital.
The family have been very distressed by the poor level of care Jamie has received. One incident in particular that was particularly upsetting was when Jamie asked for his Colostomy bag to be emptied. Three different nursing staff were asked to do this for Jamie but nothing was done.
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Fatal Road Traffic Accident Leaves 1 Man Dead and 10 Injured!
The BBC have reported of a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on the A96 in Scotland on the Forres to Elgin Road in Alves.
The incident involved a van being driven by an anonymous 20 year old from Urquhart, Moray and a minibus carrying 10 individuals to work.
The collision happened at 07.20 and rendered the road closed for 8 hours whilst investigations took place and the road was cleared. It is also believed that another motorist also had to be taken to hospital in order to be treated for shock.
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