In light of a study by Richard Clapp of Boston University into the cancer deaths of workers within the computer and semiconductor manufacturing industries, the Manufacturing Union Amicus is calling for an inquiry into cancer risks within the industry.
The study found that based on the national average, there had been "significantly greater” cancer deaths than expected in both men and women who worked within a large semiconductor company.
Amicus, taking into account other studies in Scotland and the West Midlands, have concluded that evidence is sufficient to suggest that past and present workers within the computer and semiconductor industries could have long-term risks to their health.
Amicus National Officer Peter Skyte said:
“This US study provides powerful evidence of the increased health risks faced by past and present workers in the computer, chip and semiconductor industry.
"Government health and safety agencies and employers must act urgently to reduce this risk to stop more people dying in years to come.”
Professor Andrew Watterson of Stirling University said of the similar results found in Scotland's National Semiconductor industry:
"The US study confirms some of the evidence we have seen at Nat Semi.
"The families of former Nat Semi workers have been calling for years for a Europe-wide or international study into the industry, and this is the next best thing."
Amicus is calling for actions such as the following:
- The UK computer components/semiconductor industry to initiate industry wide research into cancer risks in the industry, and in particular to institute the research proposed by the HSE/DTI feasibility study published in 2005.
- The UK computer components/semiconductor industry to identify the health hazards involved in their work and take urgent steps to remove toxic agents or control them to the lowest level possible.
- Action by the Health and Safety Executive to investigate cancer risks in the UK computer components/semiconductor industry.
- Action by the Health and Safety Commission to urgently review the control of toxic substances in the UK computer components/semiconductor industry.
- Action by union safety representatives to require employers to reduce health risks.
Further information on the study can be viewed, in pdf format, by clicking the following:
Mortality among US employees of a large computer manufacturing company: 1969-2001: Richard W Clapp
Article by Alexandra Johnston
