Notes from KAZAKHSTAN
No Protection for the Workers - Kazakhstan
December 28, 2000
I have been working in Kazakhstan since 1997, attempting to deal with the massive problems associated with the widespread uncontrolled use of asbestos in the Ex USSR over 50 years. There is no legislation here to protect the workers and public from the dangers. Asbestos is everywhere. There is no conception among the general public of the hazards.
One of the largest Power Generating Companies in the world hold an enormous stake in the heat and power generating industry in this enormous country. Some individual western managers at certain plants are attempting to deal with the problem and I am assisting.
However there is absolutely no help from the corporation to the individual plants. Hence, western companies are profiteering on the back of peoples' death and disease due to known asbestos hazards here in this country.
Is there a chance of some help to promote asbestos awareness along with a sense of responsibility for human life in such worldwide successful and so called "caring" companies.
J. Gilbert