Asbestos remains in millions of homes and buildings today and it can become dangerous when disturbed or damaged HSE is currently running 2 asbestos campaigns: Asbestos and You This campaign highlights the risk of asbestos to tradespeople. Every tradesperson is likely to undertake work in a building that contains asbestos at some point. Those carrying out repairs or refurbishment work are at a higher risk of disturbing asbestos, especially when working in houses built before the year 2000.â¯Â For more information visit our Asbestos and You website. Here you can access resources including: - a quick guide for trades
- asbestos essentials task sheets
Asbestos â Your Duty
This campaign raises awareness of the legal duty to manage asbestos in buildings. HSE's website has guidance including:Â - what the legal duty is, and the steps required to comply with the lawÂ
- who the dutyholder is, depending on the type of building etc, and what they must doÂ
- new templates of an asbestos management plan and an asbestos register with a site plan
- examples of how asbestos can be managed across different industriesÂ
Listen to our podcast on the duty to manage asbestos in buildings. A fine of more than £300,000 was issued after a worker lost 4 fingers while unblocking a machine The worker attempted to clear the blockage by inserting his hand into the machine. However, it came into contact with the rotating blades, resulting in the amputation of 4 fingers. HSE's investigation found that there were: - no fixed guards preventing access to the blades from the underside
- no interlocked guards, which would stop the rotating parts if any component on the underside of the mixer were to be removed
For more information about this incident read our press release on the food company fined.
Other recent enforcement cases include: - Woodworking company fined following collision death
- Logistics company fined £1m as worker suffers serious injuries
Visit our news centre for full details of these prosecutions A variety of harmful substances are found in our working environments â knowing how to control these safely is key to safety and protection from harm. If you work with hazardous substances, our Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) website can help you understand the actions you should take to stay healthy. Download HSE's publication Working with substances hazardous to health: A brief guide to COSHH, which explains how to control exposure and comply with the regulations. Our COSHH safe handling chemicals poster also provides crucial guidance on how to handle chemicals safely in your workplace, including a useful hazardous signs check. HSE's training courses are delivered by experts, both virtually and in-person, to help organisations comply with the law and keep workforces healthy and safe Upcoming courses include:
Find out more about HSE's training and events.
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