HSE Asbestos campaign

At the end of October the HSE launched its campaign to tackle the ongoing hazard presented by working with asbestos. Recent figures show that more than 35,000 people died from the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma between 1977 and 2007 and the numbers are increasing with 2,156 people dying from the disease in 2007 alone. This is an increase of five per cent on the previous year.

The HSE’s campaign focuses on tradesmen as about 20 trades including joiners, electricians, plumbers and painters and decorators die from asbestos related diseases each week. They are potentially at risk working in any building constructed or refurbished before the year 2000, which means that 500,000 or more workplace premises may contain asbestos. But research shows that tradesmen think that asbestos is a historical problem and they are not at risk.

The current dangers and ignorance of the sector are acutely illustrated by the ongoing examples of prosecutions. The recent prosecution of Recon Packaging Ltd, who were ordered to pay £10,000 in fines and prosecution costs after employees came into contact with asbestos while demolishing part of the Recon Packaging recycling plant in early 2006, is just one example. No site assessment was carried out, and the company was not licensed to remove asbestos. A director of the firm was also fined £2,000.

For more information on the HSE campaign and guidance on tackling asbestos hazards please see http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/hiddenkiller/index.htm

For advice on risk assessments and the impact of this disease, please contact our Health and Safety Team.