Jean Doyle warns young apprentices they are "not immortal" after her husband dies from asbestos-related disease, mesothelioma.

A widow whose husband died after being exposed to asbestos fibres is backing a new training initiative raising awareness among young apprentices.


The scheme, run by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), will attempt to educate trainee plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople on the dangers of asbestos. Jean Doyle hopes the HSE's initiative will help "get the message across".


Almost 4,000 people die from asbestos-related diseases every year in Great Britain, making it the country's biggest workplace killer, says HSE.


Lecturers can download a free training package, Introduction to Asbestos, from HSE's website www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos. The package is aimed at young tradespeople who may come into contact with the material – which was often used for fire-proofing and insulation – while carrying out work.


It includes a video interview with Christopher Morgan, who died from mesothelioma in March 2010 aged 58. Mr Morgan was exposed to asbestos fibres as a pipe fitter while repairing heating systems decades earlier.


Dave Doyle died from mesothelioma in 2006 having worked as a joiner. He was exposed to asbestos while using the material to make properties fire-resistant.


Mrs Doyle said: "Dave's death has had a devastating impact on our family. Young people need to realise the real cost asbestos can have on their lives.


"Trainee apprentices need to know they're not immortal. I hope this new scheme will give them the confidence to say 'no' when they're out at work, if they're asked to work with asbestos.


"It may just look like dust, but it's deadly."