1. Events

An Asbestos Seminar targeting the engineering sector will be held on 19 June in Enniskillen.  Details can be obtained from Mr Ken Logan of the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland.

2. Evaluation Questionnaire

It was agreed that a small sub committee would meet Michael McNeill in advance of which the priorities for the group would be forwarded to him.  The sub committee was identified as Jim Leitch, Ken Logan and Damien McKenna. 

3. Following from the last committee meeting a proforma for progress reports from champions will be developed with David Wallace and Delia Skan contributing.  This will be presented to the committee for their approval. 

4. Procedures for contacting the committee and for the meetings were agreed as follows:

• the committee will be sent the agenda and the minutes and this will also be cc’d to champions who are welcome to attend by agreement within their organisation and subject to their availability.
• A summary of each committee’s actions will be placed on the website directly after each meeting

5. The Mesothelioma Leaflet has been distributed widely.  Some members considered that its impact could have been improved if a different image had been used.  The committee will be circulated material in use by the Health and Safety Executive in Great Britain.

6. Subcontractors will be provided with packs which have been developed by Health and Safety Works NI and which contain a small amount of material to enable them to write a health and safety policy, understand risk assessments etc.

7. The website is now up and running and a publicity campaign to ensure that knowledge of it is widespread throughout the industry will commence.  The procedures for the vetting of materials has been agreed and a small sub committee set up.  This sub committee meets again on 26 June. 

8. Plan of Work

This includes considerations of the needs of migrant workers and further action which needs to be taken in the sphere of musculoskeletal disorders.  There are plans for future asbestos seminars and for an end of year event for the six champions. 

The next meeting of the committee will take place on 20 June and the agenda and minutes will follow.