The shocking reality for many outdoor workers in the UK, and many countries around the world, is that they are breathing toxic air throughout their working day. Ambient air pollution has turned the simple, human act of breathing into a deadly occupational hazard. Air pollution is currently the UK’s largest environmental risk to health with 40,000 early deaths a year, including deadly impacts on outdoor workers, and a £20 billion cost to the UK economy. Air pollution is an invisible, silent killer that can no longer be ignored. It is preventable.
“This forgotten army of outdoor workers are the people who deliver our letters and food, help our children to cross the road, empty our bins, and keep us safe from crime—deserves better protection."
Mike Robinson, Chief Executive, British Safety Council, commented, “This forgotten army of outdoor workers are the people who deliver our letters and food, help our children to cross the road, empty our bins, and keep us safe from crime—deserves better protection. Action is long overdue and now is the time to invest in clean air for outdoor workers.”
To help mitigate, the British Safety Council launched its Air Pollution Manifesto on 31 March 2021, calling for government action in committing to their Time to Breathe seven-point plan:
- Appointing a Clean Air Czar with executive powers to ensure that levels of ambient air pollution are reduced to below legal/ WHO guideline limits for the most dangerous sources of air pollution in the shortest time possible.
- Running a publicity campaign to encourage drivers to stop engine idling.
- Permitting electric cars only in cities from 2030 at the latest
- Retrofitting diesel buses to be powered by electricity to improve urban air quality.
- Implementing a Clean Air Zone or an Ultra-Low Emissions Zone covering the metro area.
- Funding air pollution monitoring infrastructure to the same accuracy as London for emissions data.
- Investing in cleaner energy, cycling and walking.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
