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 Leslie Anderson reports"The study will be watched closely by the semiconductor industry"  real 28k  |
HSE in cancer investigation
Employees' health fears will be addressed |
Employees' fears about work-related cancer at the National Semiconductor factory in Greenock are to be investigated by the Health and Safety Executive.
A year-long study will aim to find out the number of workers who have had cancer since the plant opened in 1970.
National Semiconductor is the world's sixth-largest analogue maker of chips, which are largely used in telecommunications applications.
Former and current employees will be contacted and asked if researchers can have access to their personal records.
'Aware of concerns'
Stewart Campbell, the HSE's Head of Operations in Scotland, said: "We are aware of concerns and it is important these concerns are properly addressed in a scientific study which we are now proposing to current and past employees.
The study will last a year |
"Dependent on what these initial findings show, it might be necessary to undertake further investigations."
Dr John Osman, head of HSE's Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit which will carry out the work, said: "There is no scientific evidence that working in the semiconductor industry is associated with an increased risk of cancer.
"However, we have an open mind as we are aware that some chemicals used in the industry have the potential to cause cancer if they are not used according to health and safety legislation."
Damages action
The inquiry follows claims by a group of women workers that cancer illnesses were linked with their work at the Greenock factory.
Seventy women employed at the Greenock plant, who say they developed illnesses while working there, have launched a damages action in the United States.
The women allege the company failed to protect workers from toxic substances and say they have developed cancers and reproductive illnesses as a result of substances in use at the plant.
Lawyers acting for the women say litigation through the US courts is the only option still open to them and a joint action has been launched with US employees who allege they have also been affected.
Earlier this year, National Semiconductors quelled fears that they were to sell the Greenock plant, putting jobs at risk, by announcing a commitment to the plant and its employees.
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25 May 99 | UK |
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Microchip workers in damages action |
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Health and Safety Executive |
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