The HSE estimates that there are over 5,000 asbestos related deaths in the UK every year with more than 2,000 people being diagnosed with an asbestos related disease. This is an alarming statistic, particularly when you consider that asbestos has been officially banned since 1999. So why are these numbers so alarming?
Well, there are ongoing questions being raised about health and safety for workplace employees, with many employers still unaware that their building may have evidence of asbestos. Those that do not adequately remove or dispose of it are failing to protect their employees and as such, a rise in personal injury claims are resulting in some businesses being crippled by their neglect of something that can be addressed with professional removal of asbestos.
Asbestos can be found in building materials that are pre-year 2000. Walls and floors are common places where asbestos compounds may be discovered, as it was used for insulation.
The HSE statistics show that female deaths from asbestos have increased dramatically over the last 10 years and it is believed this is primarily due to the fact women are exposed to the substance indirectly, such as coming into contact with people who have worked with asbestos or they may live in areas close by to asbestos factories, for example.
In the early 2000s, there was a real focus on promoting awareness of asbestos but since then, it seems things have gone a bit quiet. We all know it exists but there is a worrying pre-conception that all asbestos related cases are from yesteryear and our homes and workplaces are all safe and sound these days. Just because asbestos cases don’t always make the headlines doesn’t mean it’s gone away.
Here are some facts about asbestos:
It causes lung diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. Not all are fatal but mesothelioma is.
Asbestos is actually all around us; there are very low levels of asbestos fibres in the environment. If you breathe in high levels of these, for example living near damaged materials that contain asbestos, this will significantly increase your chances of starting with lung disease.
There are asbestos regulations to be aware of – it’s worth taking a look at the HSE site which outlines these, particularly if you are an employer.
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