‘No increased cancer risk’ at Greenock factory
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Workers at a Scottish semiconductor plant are not at increased risk of developing occupational cancers, according to new research by the Health and Safety Executive.
The HSE investigation, carried out in conjunction with the Institute of Occupational Medicine, concludes that that earlier concerns about occupational cancer at the National Semiconductors UK (NSUK) factory in Greenock were unfounded.
A previous study by HSE in 2001 found that although the overall number of cancers in the workforce was not unusual, there was a possibility that some could have been caused by work.
The latest report says that the numbers affected are within the range expected for a workforce of a similar age and background.
Co-author of the report HSE's chief medical adviser and head of epidemiology, Dr John Osman said: "While we cannot use this type of research to prove that any workplace is completely safe, I am satisfied the findings do not indicate that NSUK staff face an increased risk of developing occupational cancer.
"This is an independent, robust piece of scientific research and we have taken our responsibilities to the workforce very seriously. The research does not establish a link between cancer and employment at NSUK."
He added: "I hope both present and former employees will find some comfort in these results. They have waited patiently to discover the outcome of this research and I hope this report offers some clarity and reassurance."
HSE says it has no plans to carry out further research at NSUK, but it will continue to monitor health and safety in the semiconductor manufacturing industry and will issue advice if appropriate.
