AM Supports Campaign

Carl Sargeant Supports ‘BE ALARMED’ Campaign

Carl Sargeant AM for Alyn & Deeside is supporting a national campaign to raise the awareness of the importance of installing a carbon monoxide alarm in the home.

Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! is the national campaign to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by carbon monoxide. The campaign was first launched in October 2008 and continues to be an important and effective campaign today.

The campaign group say that 1.8m people in Wales are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning because they do not have an alarm.

It says research shows 74% of people are unaware that carbon monoxide - which has no colour, taste or smell - can kill, and only 15% realise it can cause brain damage.

Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that has no colour, taste or smell. Fuel burning appliances such as stoves, fires, boilers and water heaters can produce carbon monoxide if they are incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained or if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.

Alyn & Deeside AM Carl Sargeant said;

“Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer, many people are aware of the need to install a smoke detector but there is not enough awareness of the need to also have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted in the home, I would urge local Alyn & Deeside residents to undertake this simple potentially life-saving measure.”

Gas, oil and solid fuels such as coal, coke and wood can all produce carbon monoxide.

Too many people in the UK die needlessly or become seriously ill because of carbon monoxide poisoning each year. According to the Department of Health, 50 people died from carbon monoxide poisoning last year and another 4,000 were treated in hospital. However, the true number is likely to be much higher as the early symptoms can easily be mistaken for flu or tiredness.

Even if not fatal, carbon monoxide poisoning can leave lasting problems such as brain damage.

AM Supports Campaign

Carl Sargeant Supports “Respect For Shopworkers Week”
Carl Sargeant AM for Alyn & Deeside calls on customers to “keep your cool at Christmas” in support of the campaign by retail trade union Usdaw to cut down on the abuse and assaults suffered by shop staff during the Christmas shopping period.

Respect for Shopworkers Week: is taking place between 7-11 November 2011

Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear Campaign seeks to prevent violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers. This year they are organising a Respect for Shopworkers Week to highlight these important issues and raise awareness amongst shopworkers, customers, employers and politicians.

The campaign focuses on and highlights the problems in the run-up to Christmas.

Carl Sargeant AM for Alyn & Deeside said:

“I am shocked that Usdaw’s most recent survey shows that two thirds of shop staff have been abused in the last year and nearly 10% have suffered physical assault. A major cause is angry customers and reports of ‘trolley rage’ incidents are on the increase. The shop staff that I met told me that Christmas is the time when they suffer most anger and abuse.

“Christmas shopping can be exciting but stressful. I urge all customers not to take out their frustration on shop staff who have to work hard, often for long hours at this time when shops are at their busiest. I was touched by the testimony of shopworkers who have told me that verbal abuse from customers is very hurtful and can leave staff upset and depressed.”