HSE’s Asbestos and You campaign urges people working in construction to be aware of disturbing asbestos, especially when renovating and refurbishing properties built before the year 2000.  

 

This month HSE has teamed up with partners to spread the word across different professions including builders, carpenters, electricians, joiners, plasterers, plumbers, and roofers.

“...there is probably nine times out of ten chance that I have definitely worked with and disturbed a couple of different types of asbestos, without realising, without knowing.” 

To support our Asbestos and You campaign, the online construction community 'On The Tools' has created a video to raise awareness of the dangers that tradespeople face in their day to day work.

 

In the video, a younger tradesperson interviews Martin, a worker who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after receiving a health check at work. 

To help raise awareness that asbestos didn’t disappear when it was banned in the UK and remains in places that you might not expect, join the many organisations supporting the Asbestos and You campaign.

More information is available at the Asbestos and You campaign website.  

 

Campaign supporters include: Contract Flooring Association, National Federation of Roofing Contractors, The Institute of Carpenters, Electrical Contractors' Association, Finishes and Interiors Sector, The National Federation of Demolition Contractors and Jewson.  

 

Speaking on the campaign, UKATA Chief Operating Officer, Craig Evans said: "I wholeheartedly support HSE's campaign to raise asbestos awareness and the importance of training across the construction industry. The dangers of asbestos are very real, with over 5,000 people in the UK dying each year from asbestos-related diseases. 

 

“Every individual working in construction, from apprentices to experienced professionals, must understand the risks associated with asbestos and take them seriously.

 

"It is crucial that tradespeople are aware of the risks involved in disturbing or damaging asbestos-containing materials, as inhaling these fibres can lead to devastating diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis." 

 

Visit HSE's website to find out about asbestos training.

Our Asbestos and You campaign website has more information about what to watch for and what to do when you come across it.

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