Breaking Down the Latest Asbestos News in the UK: What You Need to Know

Asbestos use has been a major concern in the UK for decades, with the mineral being widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and other industries until its ban in 1999. Despite the ban, asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis continue to claim lives in the country, with thousands of new cases being diagnosed every year. In this article, I will provide an overview of the latest asbestos news in the UK, including changes in regulations, ongoing controversies, and recent lawsuits.

The history of asbestos in the UK

Asbestos was first imported to the UK in the late 19th century and quickly became a popular material due to its durability, heat resistance, and low cost. Its use peaked in the 1970s, with millions of tons of asbestos being used in buildings, ships, cars, and household products. However, it soon became evident that asbestos exposure was linked to serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

The UK government recognised the dangers of asbestos and began regulating its use in the 1970s. However, it wasn't until the end of the 1990s that a complete ban on asbestos was implemented (November 1999 to be precise). By then, thousands of workers had already been exposed to the mineral, and many of them would go on to develop asbestos-related diseases. Still today, thousands of workers continue to be exposed to this deadly fibre through lack of knowledge, poor management and poor attitudes towards Health and Safety.

Controversies surrounding asbestos in the UK

Despite the ban on asbestos, controversies continue to surround its use in the UK. One of the main issues is the presence of asbestos in older buildings, which can release fibres into the air when disturbed. Many schools, hospitals, and other public buildings still contain asbestos, and there is ongoing debate about how to safely remove or manage it.

Another controversial aspect of asbestos in the UK is the role of the industry and government in promoting its use and downplaying its risks. In recent years, evidence has emerged of the asbestos industry knowledge of the dangers of the mineral and its efforts to suppress this information. There have also been allegations of government cover-ups and failures to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure.

The role of the UK Government in handling asbestos-related issues

The UK government has taken a number of steps to address the risks posed by asbestos. In addition to the ban on asbestos, regulations have been put in place to govern its removal and disposal. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for enforcing these regulations and monitoring asbestos-related risks in the workplace.

In recent years, the government has also launched initiatives to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos and improve access to compensation for people affected by asbestos-related diseases. These include the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK, which provides support and advice to people with asbestos-related diseases and their families, and the Mesothelioma UK Charitable Trust, which funds research and supports patients and families affected by mesothelioma.

Changes in asbestos regulations in the UK

There have been several changes to asbestos regulations in the UK in recent years. In 2012, the Control of Asbestos Regulations were amended to simplify the rules around asbestos surveys and management plans. In 2015, the HSE launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the risks of asbestos exposure among tradespeople, who are at higher risk of exposure due to their work with older buildings and materials.

In 2018, the HSE launched a consultation on proposals to lower the control limit for asbestos exposure in the workplace. The current limit is 0.1 fibres per cubic centimetre of air, but the HSE has proposed lowering this to 0.1 fibres per cubic metre. This change would bring the UK in line with other countries and reflect the latest scientific evidence on the risks of asbestos exposure. It would also mean there would need to be a significant change in the way air is sampled and analysed for asbestos fibre.

Latest asbestos news in the UK

The latest asbestos news in the UK includes several high-profile lawsuits related to asbestos exposure. In 2019, a former BT engineer was awarded £170,000 in compensation after developing mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure during his work. In the same year, a former steel worker was awarded £2.2 million in compensation after developing mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure at work.

There have also been calls for greater action to address the risks of asbestos in public buildings. In 2020, a report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health called for the government to establish a national program to remove asbestos from all public buildings by 2035. The report estimated that around 10 million people in the UK are exposed to asbestos at work, school, or home.

Asbestos compensation claims

Asbestos compensation claims are a complex and often lengthy process, involving medical assessments, legal proceedings, and negotiations with employers or insurers. In the UK, there are several avenues for seeking compensation, including through the government's Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit scheme, through civil claims against employers or insurers, and through support groups and charities that provide advice and assistance.

It is important for anyone who has been exposed to asbestos to seek medical advice and support as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes for people with asbestos-related diseases, and there are also options for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Resources for asbestos information in the UK

There are many resources available for people seeking information and support related to asbestos in the UK. The HSE website provides guidance on asbestos regulations, risk assessments, and management plans, as well as information on training and qualifications for working with asbestos. The Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK and Mesothelioma UK Charitable Trust provide advice and support for people affected by asbestos-related diseases and their families.

Conclusion

Asbestos remains a significant health risk in the UK, with thousands of people being diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases every year. While the government has taken steps to regulate and manage asbestos, there are ongoing controversies and challenges related to its use and presence in public buildings. It is important for anyone who may have been exposed to asbestos to seek medical advice and support, and to be aware of their options for seeking compensation and managing their health. By staying informed and advocating for safer practices and policies, we can work towards a future where asbestos-related diseases are a thing of the past.

Follow our blog to stay informed about asbestos news and regulations in the UK.

Seek medical advice and support if you have been exposed to asbestos. If you or a loved one has been affected by asbestos-related disease, consider seeking compensation and support through government schemes, legal claims, or support groups. Together, we can work towards a safer and healthier future for all.

If you need help ensuring you stay compliant with the ever-changing Control of Asbestos Regulations, reach out to us today and let us take care of all of your asbestos management needs.

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