Stronger measures on asbestos management are needed to save lives, according to the global body for health and safety professionals.
A lack of consistency in managing asbestos among duty holders and a lack of awareness and knowledge about the material, particularly among smaller businesses, are among the issues concerning the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).
IOSH highlights that with the adoption of renewed climate resilience and the transition to net-zero goals by the UK government, it is expected that millions of buildings will be maintained, renovated or demolished in the coming years, something which could disturb large amounts of asbestos.
With this in mind, they are keen to see stronger measures introduced, with a collective effort by policy makers, government, regulators, employers and worker representatives.
They are supportive of the possibility of introducing a national digital register of asbestos in non-domestic buildings, though it has warned this would need clear processes to remedy concerns around data capture, use and dissemination. IOSH has also called for improved training for employees in how to deal with asbestos, clearer guidance around working with asbestos and more awareness raising about the dangers of exposure.
Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Health and Safety for IOSH, said:
“We know that asbestos is still all around us. This, coupled with a worrying lack of awareness about the danger it poses and how to prevent exposure, means people are being put at risk every day.
“This is simply not good enough. There are many measures which can be taken to prevent exposure and we would like to see a collective effort to ensure that these are put in place and used across industry. Only by doing this can we begin to stop people being exposed to asbestos and being placed at risk of contracting an awful disease. It’s time to get tough with asbestos.”
Dangers of Disturbed Asbestos
Asbestos is the biggest cause of occupational cancer, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives a year worldwide. When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed, fibres are released into the air which when inhaled can cause serious diseases.
How we can help
Bradley Environmental is one of the leading Asbestos Consultants in the UK offering a whole range of Asbestos Risk Management services. We advise our clients on the most efficient, operationally and economically advantageous way to manage asbestos, without compromising on safety issues. We also offer a range of Asbestos Awareness and Asbestos Management courses at our many sites across the UK.
Source: IOSH.com
