It is currently estimated that 5,000 people die annually in the UK from asbestos-related illnesses. That equates to approximately 14 people per day.
Asbestos-related illnesses
- Mesothelioma
As a cancer type, this is almost exclusively related to asbestos exposure and nearly almost always fatal.
- Asbestosis
This is a type of lung disease caused by breathing in asbestos dust or fibres. It causes fibrosis (scarring) of the lung tissue, making it hard to breathe. There is no cure, but there are treatments to help manage the symptoms.
- Pleural thickening
This is a thickening of the tissue around the lungs, called the pleura, caused by exposure to and inhalation of asbestos fibres. It can affect one or both lungs and can be benign or malignant. When malignant, it is usually associated with pleural mesothelioma.
Typically, symptoms from these illnesses include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath, difficulty with breathing
- Fatigue
- Fevers and sweating, particularly at night
- Persistent cough
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
Remember, these symptoms don’t necessarily appear straight away. It can be 30 years before signs of ill-health appear.
Working with asbestos
All work on ACMs (asbestos-containing materials) requires specific training and controls.
It is illegal to carry out this work unless it has been suitably and sufficiently risk assessed. This includes safe systems of work (safe working procedures) being provided for and to the workers. Workers should have undertaken sufficient training, allowing competency to be assured. Asbestos waste must be disposed of in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and other relevant legislation.
If, as a business, people are employed to carry out either licensable work or notifiable non-licensed work, then arrangements will need to be made for conducting appropriate medical examinations. This helps to monitor for early signs of any possible related health concerns.
Health surveillance
Anyone who works with asbestos is entitled to be provided with medical surveillance. The employer has the legal responsibility to organise this for affected workers on their behalf.
This surveillance should be conducted by an HSE-appointed doctor, who will monitor and advise on any emerging health concerns related to the work being conducted. Their advice will help to ensure that further exposure is appropriately managed.
If a business decides they wish to use a doctor who is not on that list, then permission will need to be gained from the HSE to get them appointed. To become appointed, the doctor will need to meet the criteria set by HSE.
For more information on HSE-appointed doctors, including current lists, please click here.
Helpful resources
To find out more:
- Asbestos – Your Duty – HSE’s campaign if you’re responsible for the maintenance and repair of buildings
- Asbestos and You – HSE’s campaign for workers in building, maintenance and allied trades
- Different levels of asbestos training and how to assess competence
We also have resources to help you and your business on our Client H&S Portal.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you need any help with this or another H&S matter.