FAKE NEWS CAN CONFUSE

Are standards to protect us and the environment slipping?

LAST week the headline of the column was “Day Zero not a hoax”. This has got me thinking about what else goes on around us in relation to the construction industry, the environment and even the DIY things we tackle ourselves. How much are we brainwashed by false information?

It amazes me just how far people will go to make a quick buck without caring about the health or wellbeing of the recipient of their dodgy advice or product.

In the light of the listeriosis outbreak, it would be interesting to see how empty shelves in hardware stores would be if many of those products were tested to the same degree that our food is – or is supposed to be. I’d be interested to know how many products are produced in countries where slave labour is still prevalent, or the use of toxic ingredients is allowed.

Also, how many of our environmental laws are administered by people who actually know what they are doing? On the radio the other day a former health inspector asked if there were actually any inspectors left.

Carrying this over into our industry, my dear friend Chrissie is still, years later, waiting for replies on the containment of loose asbestos during building demolitions.

Daily I see many unsafe building practices.

To me, it seems the Department of Labour appears after a fatal accident instead of helping to prevent them, while some unscrupulous developers or clients continue to use unregistered or non-compliant workers to save money, without caring about the welfare of these workers.

I appeal to all to rally round, do what is right in terms of the law and help protect our environment.