HSE asbestos campaign

17 March 2023

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a new campaign targeted at tradespeople to raise awareness of asbestos risks, particularly amongst younger age groups.

In particular the organisation reach construction workers who started their careers after the use of asbestos was banned in 1999.

The regulator is concerned the length of time it can take for symptoms to develop after asbestos exposure could lead to a perception among today’s younger workers that it is something that only impacts older people who were working before the ban.

Five thousand people a year still die from asbestos related illnesses and asbestos can still be found in buildings built or refurbished before the year 2000.

Asbestos containing materials were used extensively in the construction and maintenance of buildings in Great Britain from the 1950s until the ban. That means construction workers of all ages could still be exposed to asbestos fibres today. 

If asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can cause asbestos related lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural thickening. They can also lead to a rapid and aggressive form of cancer called mesothelioma affecting the internal organs, particularly the lungs and chest walls. 

HSE’s Chief Executive Sarah Albon said: “Asbestos exposure in Great Britain is still the single greatest cause of work-related deaths. Everyone working in construction today, of any age, must take the risk from asbestos seriously.

“Asbestos is dangerous when not maintained in a safe condition or if physically disturbed without the right measures in place to avoid fibres being released into the air.”

Construction tradespeople of any age are at significant risk if they disturb materials containing asbestos during repairs and refurbishment.

More information about the Asbestos and You campaign and guidance on preventative measures can be found on HSE’s website. 

Photo: Alwan Ibrahim