DOES work make you sick? That's the question St Helens Council is asking.

It's backing a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of what may be the link between people's jobs and health problems. It is estimated about 2.5 million people suffer from illness related to their job.

Such illnesses include deafness, respiratory disorders including asthma and asbestosis, backache, skin conditions, eye problems, vibration injuries, upper limb disorders and stress.

The council's Environmental Health section which enforces the laws covering health and safety at work is conducting the campaign alongside other local authorities on Merseyside.

Environmental Services chairman Richard Ward, said: "Occupational health is generally under-reported and we want to promote a greater awareness among employers, their employees and health care professionals."

Local authorities such as St Helens can offer advice and information about occupational ill health issues in addition to health professionals at the Employment Medical Advisory Service of the Health and Safety Executive.

The campaign will involve posters in doctors' surgeries and literature specifically geared towards GPs being distributed to local surgeries.

For further information about occupational health issues contact St Helens Environmental Health on 01744 456372.

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