A TOTAL of 3,553 people in the South West have died from the asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma, between 2000 and 2009 and the death toll will continue if tradesmen and building maintenance workers who come across it in their jobs don't protect themselves.

There are still free online asbestos awareness training courses available for take up by the end of November and I'm urging people to take advantage of this offer, which has been made possible by the Health and Safety Executive and the asbestos training industry. Spending a few hours in front of a computer could literally save your life.

To book, visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/training-pledge">www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/training-pledge. Places are on a first-come-first-served basis.

Rosi Edwards

South West Regional Director

Health and Safety Executive