Despite the UK banning the use and importation in November 1999, it remains arguably the most significant public health challenge with over 1.5 million buildings (including homes, schools, and workplaces) still containing asbestos containing materials (ACM’s). Asbestos is still responsible for over 5,000 deaths in the UK alone, with the World Health Organisation indicating it could be as high as 105,000 worldwide. Inhalation of the fibres can cause cancers such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, and other serious lung diseases such as asbestosis and plural thickening.
The Health and Safety Executive is calling on your support to share their asbestos resources with others to highlight the risks and keep people safe by reminding people where they may encounter asbestos and what action to take to prevent exposure. Their campaigns include Asbestos Your Duty campaign, launched to raise awareness of the legal duty to manage asbestos in buildings, and the Asbestos and You campaign that urges tradespeople to stay aware of hidden asbestos and protect themselves and others, from exposure to asbestos fibres during their work.
Now may be a timely reminder to review your asbestos management plan to make sure you have the correct designated responsibilities, communication plan, and training in place and to keep you and your organisation compliant and you and the workforce safe from any potential asbestos exposures.