Nearly £2 million has been given to workers who have suffered
from asbestos-related diseases over the last year, according to
Unison.
The figures come as the union prepares to join public sector
staff across the country in a minute's silence for International
Workers Memorial Day.
The day is aimed at highlighting the risks that many workers
face in their day-to-day jobs.
General secretary, Dave Prentis, will join in the minute's
silence at midday, to remember colleagues who have become victims
of asbestos
and other work-related diseases or those killed or injured in the
workplace.
Many generations of workers have been exposed to asbestos in oil
refineries, hospitals, chemical plants, schools, building sites,
shipyards, factories, building sites and while taking their lunch
in canteens.
Dave Prentis said: "Health and safety has barely been mentioned
during the election campaign, but we want to see preventable
accidents becoming a priority.
"Tighter regulations and more inspections - which have declined
dramatically - would help tackle the problem.
"It is shocking that so many workers have died, or been
seriously injured, because employers have failed to take the
necessary steps to protect them.
"Too many employers put short-cuts before the safety of their
staff and many workers still suffer in silence, losing their
physical and mental health before management are forced to take
action."