Asbestos is a known health hazard, with its exposure being linked to a range of severe health conditions, including mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and pleural thickening.
Asbestos and Work-Related Deaths in the UK
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it is the greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, with around 5,000 dying every year from asbestos-related diseases. Despite decades of awareness regarding the dangers of asbestos, a recent survey has revealed a worrying trend: many tradespeople still view asbestos as a problem of the past.
New research Raises Alarming Concerns
A recent survey, commissioned by High-Speed Training, has found that nearly half of tradespeople consider asbestos as an outdated issue, and more than a quarter have not followed the correct removal procedures when they have encountered asbestos on a job. This misunderstanding could pose serious risk to workers or those nearby and leave workers vulnerable to asbestos-related conditions.
The Ongoing Prescence of Asbestos in Older Buildings
Although the use of asbestos was banned in the United Kingdom in 1999, it remains present in older buildings. Asbestos was once extensively used in the construction industry, valued for its resistance to heat, electricity and sound. It is estimated that asbestos is still present in up to 1.5 million buildings across the UK.
The problems arise when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, releasing harmful asbestos fibres into the air and leading to the risk of developing asbestos-related conditions. As these buildings undergo works, particularly without the correct procedures being followed involving asbestos, this can pose a serious risk to those nearby.
The Need for Training
This recent survey highlights the pressing need to raise awareness to asbestos, and for workers being trained of the proper steps to take when they come across asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos is not only incredibly dangerous but also regulated under strict laws, requiring anyone working with it to have proper training. Employers must ensure that workers are trained to handle asbestos-containing materials safely.
Earlier last year, the HSE launched a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos, to run alongside its ‘Asbestos and You’ campaign. This campaign is designed to raise awareness among tradespeople about the risks of asbestos and the importance of proper training and safety features. 46% of those surveyed said they believed that asbestos training was insufficient, which is a very worrying statistic. Inadequate training can lead to serious health consequences, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. The HSE provides comprehensive guidance and resources to ensure workers are equipped to handle the risks of asbestos properly, which you can find here.
Available Support for Those Affected by Asbestos
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related condition, whether you were exposed to asbestos at work, in a school or any other building, we can help. Contact us today on our freephone number 0800 038 6767. Alternatively, head over to the ‘Contact Us’ page, complete the form and we will be in touch.