Toolstation and Macmillan aim to raise awareness during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, as half of tradespeople believe lung cancer is not taken seriously enough in the industry
New research from Toolstation has revealed that two-thirds (65 per cent) of tradespeople have never had a personal health check-up or lung screening, despite half (47 per cent) being concerned about potential health risks associated with their work.
The customer survey completed by Toolstation also revealed that 40 per cent do not regularly wear face masks/respirators when working on site.
When asked whether they feel lung cancer is taken seriously enough in the industry, half (49 per cent) of tradespeople said they did not believe so, with only a quarter (25 per cent) agreeing. This comes after the research revealed that over half (54 per cent) have said they have never received formal training or information about asbestos awareness, whilst 85 per cent have never been offered a health check or lung screening through their employer or industry body.
With November being Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Toolstation has teamed up with charity partner Macmillan to raise awareness of health risks in the construction industry and encourage both tradespeople and industry bodies to participate in regular checkups and screenings.
Insight from Macmillan revealed over 40 per cent of occupational cancer deaths and cancer registrations were from the construction industry, with the majority being lung cancers caused by exposure to asbestos and silica. A significant number of lung (and other) cancers are also linked to Diesel Engine Exhaust Emissions (DEEE) and work as a painter.
Toolstation and Macmillan are also encouraging tradespeople to reach out to fellow colleagues to discuss their physical health, after the research found that a quarter (26 per cent) have never discussed health-related issues with workmates when on site, whilst only 17 per cent regularly open up about their health.
Macmillan provides an information page with guidance on commonly asked questions about cancer and work. The charity also offers a ‘Macmillan at Work’ scheme, supplying training and resources to employers to enable them to provide better workplace support for employees living with or affected by cancer. By signing up to the scheme, employers will benefit from:
- Work and cancer toolkit – This practical resource provides comprehensive guidance and top tips for you and your employees. When you sign up to Macmillan at Work you can order up to 5 free printed toolkits or receive a PDF version of this resource
- Masterclass webinars – By signing up to Macmillan at Work you will be able to book one of our Managing Cancer in the Workplace masterclasses led by expert trainers. See the information below to help choose the best one for your organisation’s needs
Macmillan provide an online community for people living with or who are affected by cancer to chat about the issues affecting them, as well as a support line open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.
The business has raised over £3m for Macmillan since the start of its partnership in 2020, allowing Macmillan to continue to provide vital support to those affected by cancer across the UK.
Greg Richardson at Toolstation says: “It is important that tradespeople are well informed about the potential health risks that come with working on site, and the steps they can take to minimize these risks. By working with Macmillan, we hope to encourage more tradespeople and industry bodies to regularly check up on both their own physical health, and their colleagues.”
Rebecca Fanning, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Macmillan said “It’s great to work with Toolstation this lung cancer awareness month, to spotlight the occupational risks of cancer to tradespeople.
We provide a range of information and support to people with worries about money and other concerns through the Macmillan Support Line, our website, Online Community and Macmillan Centres across the UK. At Macmillan we know that no-one’s experience of cancer is the same, that’s why we’re here, doing whatever it takes to ensure you get access to the right cancer support for your needs. Our specially trained nurses and support line advisers answer calls to our free Support Line from people living with cancer every day.”
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