Businesses told to take precautions against asbestos

Posted 06/08/2009

Companies have been urged to make sure any asbestos on their premises is properly managed.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said the carcinogenic substance is the biggest cause of work-related deaths in the UK.

As a result, it has stated that if employers believe it may be present on their premises, members of staff need to be given adequate awareness training.

Andrew Knowles, principle inspector at the HSE, said this is a specific requirement in these circumstances.

“Every week, 20 tradesmen die from -related diseases, including mesothelioma,” he warned.

Meanwhile, support group Mesothelioma UK has called for more government research and funding to be allocated towards the condition.

Spokesperson Liz Darlison said the government has a “moral obligation” to make tackling the industrial disease more of a priority.

She added that it would be a crime to abandon those who were exposed to when they were “building our nation”.