Tony Ryan, an experienced carpenter from the UK has been working in the building industry for over 50 years. Unfortunately, seven years ago Tony was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) after noticing that his breathing was becoming abnormal – particularly when exercising or working hard. Tony regularly worked in dusty environments cutting asbestos, MDF and other materials for many years with no respiratory PPE.
COPD is an umbrella term for a group of long-term lung conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma. According to the Australian Government service, Health Direct, 1 in 20 Australians aged 45 and over have COPD and it is the 5th leading cause of death in Australia.
JSP Safety in the UK conducted an interview with Tony and asked him questions about when he first noticed his breathing difficulties, what his work duties were, how and what PPE was worn and what were attitudes to work safety like in the past.