HSE Launches 'Asbestos and You' Campaign
6 March 2023
On 6 March 2023, the HSE launched a new campaign to remind people working in construction trades to manage the risks associated with asbestos.
Despite it being banned in the building industry since 1999, figures show that 5,000 people a year still die from asbestos-related diseases. It didn’t disappear when it was banned in the UK and we know that asbestos remains in millions of homes and buildings.
Those carrying out repairs or refurbishment work are at a higher risk of disturbing asbestos, especially when working in houses. Builders, carpenters, electricians, joiners, plasterers, plumbers and roofers are just some of the trades being urged to take the risks of asbestos seriously.
The campaign particularly wants to reach those who started their careers from the year 2000, after the use of asbestos was banned, so they know the risk still remains.
HSE have said they are ‘concerned’ by the length of time it takes for symptoms to develop after asbestos exposure, which could lead to a perception among today’s younger workers that it is something that only impacts older people who were working before the ban.
Asbestos exposure is the highest cause of work-related deaths in Great Britain with those carrying out repairs or refurbishment work being at a higher risk of disturbing asbestos, especially when working in houses.
Builders, carpenters, electricians, joiners, plasterers, plumbers, and roofers, are just some of the trades being urged to take the risks of asbestos seriously.
HSE’s Chief Executive Sarah Albon said: “Asbestos exposure in Great Britain is still the single greatest cause of work-related deaths. We are committed to protecting people in the workplace and reducing future work-related ill health.
“Everyone working in construction today, of any age, must take the risk from asbestos seriously.
“Asbestos is dangerous when not maintained in a safe condition or if physically disturbed without the right measures in place to avoid fibres being released into the air.”
If asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos related lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural thickening. Construction tradespeople of any age are at significant risk if they disturb materials containing asbestos during repairs and refurbishment, said the Regulator.
HSE’s Head of Health and Work Policy Mike Calcutt said: “These diseases often take a long time to develop, and it can take 20 to 30 years for symptoms to appear.
“It is crucial that all workers know how to recognise the dangers and take the right actions to protect themselves and those around them from being exposed to asbestos fibres.”
For more information, click on the links below:
Work Right to keep Britain Safe - Asbestos and You
HSE Cancer and Construction Guidance
For further advice, please get in touch today.
