UK bakeries put workers' health at risk

When John Dempsey wakes up in the morning, the first thing he reaches for is his asthma inhaler. He wouldn't be able to get through the day without it. But it wasn’t always the case.

After working at a bakery for a decade, he’s started showing symptoms of asthma, and ever since then he had to learn to live with the condition.

According to Asthma UK, the Health and Safety Executive and the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, thousands of bakers develop the condition due to being exposed to flour at the workplace.

Employment lawyer Jon Carlisle from Thompson Solicitors said that although there are regulations in place which employers must comply with, but often times they simply don't.

I investigated how bakeries are putting their staff at risk, how to prevent the condition and what could be done to hold the employers accountable for their negligence. I tried to reach out to the company where Mr. Dempsey worked to get their view on the issue, however, they didn't respond to my requests and phone calls.

Take a listen.

If you or someone you know notice signs of occupational asthma setting in, get checked out as soon as possible and seek help from your GP, Asthma UK (advice line: 0800 121 62 44 ) or the BFAWU.

Medical experts say that the sooner the condition is diagnosed and the sooner the individual leaves the exposed area, the more likely it is that he/she will recover.

For information on symptoms and a list of allergen substances, visit the Health and Safety Executive website.