UK-based The McOnie Agency specialises in promoting health and safety messages around the world during 2015 – its 25th Anniversary year – has pledged to help and support related and worthwhile causes to improve workers’ health and safety.

Through its partners and contacts round the world The McOnie Agency will be helping to draw attention to Global Asbestos Awareness Week, which takes place from 1-7 April. This year’s campaign is “Hear Asbestos. Think Prevention”.

The campaign is designed to raise the awareness of the dangers of asbestos, encourage countries still using it to ban it and to help workers who could be exposed to it to receive correct protection.

Sarah McOnie, founder of The McOnie Agency said, “I met Linda Reinstein, co-founder of the Asbestos Awareness Disease Organisation* at the World Congress on Safety and Health at Work in 2014 and it was then we decided that we could be more effective in raising awareness and getting this vital message of dangers of this terrible disease across by combining our skills and contacts.”

The McOnie Agency has been promoting positive messages to improve worker health and safety since its inception in 1990. The UK is one of the countries leading the way in reducing the number of deaths and ill health caused as a result of workplace conditions. As part of an international network it has established partnerships with proven agencies around the world and will work with them to promote the vital work undertaken during the Awareness Week. This approach means that the message will be taken to more than 40 countries round the world.

During the Week focus will be on cutting edge information and the best educational resources. Profile-leading organisations, including the World Health Organisation, will aim to raise awareness through use of feature videos and music as well as real life stories from those who have succumbed or lost loved ones to the terrible disease of asbestosis. The Week culminates with an online candlelit vigil.

Sarah McOnie continued, “Everyone can get involved and follow the week via the website and through social media.” www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org/archives/29892

*The Asbestos Awareness Disease Organisation tirelessly pursues those who refuse to recognise the dangers of asbestos, or turn a blind eye to the dangers workers face if exposed to asbestos.