Bradford campaign to look at impact of work on health is launched (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford campaign to look at impact of work on health is launched

9:00am Thursday 7th March 2013 in News By Kathie Griffiths, T&A Reporter

Workers’ health campaigners are studying to find out what impact jobs are having on the district’s wellbeing.

Jane Howie, from Bradford’s Workers’ Health Advice Team, said it was early days and talks were ongoing into how the survey would be funded and how far it could reach into building a clear picture of the effects some jobs are having on the people doing them.

Although there are world and national statistics on occupational and environmental health, not enough is known locally, according to Ms Howie.

A report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has estimated a quarter of all human disease and disorders are caused, at least in part, to chemical exposures saying it is now a ‘global threat’.

Ms Howie said “We are being exposed both at home and at work to carcinogenic chemicals, and as a society we are currently neglecting these cancer risk factors. We know about these risks but have been burying our head in the sand. However, knowledge is power and if our local survey goes ahead we will be able to use its findings to get more of an idea what is happening locally.

“What we do know already is that people living in poorer areas with low incomes in the Bradford district are living eight years less that others who are better – off but we need to find out more and why.”

So far the Workers’ Health Advice Team has been involving Public Health in it stalks about the possible survey, as well as Bradford Alliance on Community Care Alliance and Keighley West councillor (Labour) Jan Smithies from the Council’s Health Overview and Scrutiny committee.

Ms Howie is also hoping to raise awareness about it at a debate open to the public later this month about how to make Bradford healthier in challenging times.

The Bradford Alliance on Community Care open meeting will include talks from the director of the Centre for Public Health Excellence Professor Mike Kelly, Leeds University professor Mark Gamsu, Bradford Royal Infirmary consultant Dr Chris Bem and Coun Jan Smithies from 10am to 4pm at Manningham’s Carlisle Business Centre on Wednesday, March 13.

Call (01274) 481590 to book a place.