The Government needs to take more action to prevent thousands of people dying from asbestos exposure every year, says IOSH – 25 years on from the deadly material being banned in the UK.
For Global Asbestos Awareness Week (1-7 April), the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has renewed its call on the Government to work with policy makers, regulators, employers and worker representatives to increase awareness.
Despite the ban, an estimated 300,000 non-domestic buildings built before 1999 still contain asbestos.
With many of these buildings requiring refurbishment, in addition to the drive for net zero meaning many of them being retrofitted, tradespeople and building users will be put at risk if it isn’t managed properly, said the Institution.
“This is unacceptable”
Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at IOSH, added: “We know that about 5,000 people a year die from asbestos-related diseases every year in the UK. While the cause of their illness was likely exposure from decades ago, we believe that people are still being exposed today, putting them at risk of terminal cancers such as mesothelioma in the years to come.
“This is unacceptable. What is of significant concern is the lack of consistency in managing asbestos among duty holders and a lack of awareness and knowledge about it among those who are coming into contact with it, particularly in smaller businesses.”
The Work and Pensions Committee has previously called for a 40-year deadline to be set for the removal of asbestos from all public and commercial buildings. This followed an inquiry, which IOSH contributed evidence to, however it is reported that the Government swiftly rejected the proposal, in July 2022, promoting IOSH to call for a combined effort to tackle the asbestos issue.
“While we supported the committee inquiry and the recommendations, we did highlight that there are still hazards and risks associated with removal,” added Ruth. “What we’d really like to see is a collective effort by policy makers, government, regulators, employers and worker representatives to address this.
“Within the UK this can be part of a national strategic plan which is aligned to the built environment and net zero initiatives, as is it expected that buildings will require maintenance, renovation or demolishing as part of that agenda. Such a plan must therefore have a focus on duty holders, the duty to manage asbestos, and the competence of individuals and include the development of clear guidance around managing asbestos.
“It should also include enforcement. Also essential to it is improved training for employees which raises awareness of the dangers of exposure, informs them how to deal with asbestos and what to do if they come across it.
“Nearly two years have now passed and there hasn’t been any progress. Action is needed now. People’s lives depend on it.”
