The British Safety Council has launched the ‘Time to Breathe’ campaign to a captive, if not surprised, audience of Oxford Street commuters and shoppers. Over 50 participants, dressed as couriers, construction and road workers, police and lollipop ladies, came together to highlight the health risks outdoor workers face from long-term exposure to ambient air pollution
Time to Breathe is a UK-wide campaign calling for employers, policymakers and regulators to take seriously the risk of air pollution to the health of outdoor workers and is providing free information and resources to help reduce their exposure. With a high degree of political and regulatory inertia putting the health of outdoor workers at risk, the launch in Oxford Circus aimed to make a lasting impression and engage the public to put pressure on their MPs and employers to act.
In a world’s first, the British Safety Council also released Canairy, a free mobile app designed for employers and outdoor workers based in London. The app was made in partnership with experts at King’s College London and offers workers tips on how to reduce their exposure to toxic air. Employers, on request to the British Safety Council, will be able to access the app.
The campaign is working with Friends of the Earth, BOHS, GMB, Prospect, British Heart Foundation, British Lung Foundation, Cross River Partnership and Client Earth. Canairy was developed with the support of Kier Services (Highways) and Tideway West.
Time to Breathe is a UK-wide campaign calling for employers, policymakers and regulators to take seriously the risk of air pollution to the health of outdoor workers
To apply for the app please contact www.timetobreathe@britsafe.org
