Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW) runs from 1st to 7th April, and it’s a crucial time to reflect on the dangers of asbestos, raise awareness about the risks, and ensure that you and your workplace are fully informed about how to protect yourself and others from exposure.
As industrial disease solicitors specialising in asbestos claims, we know how devastating the long-term effects of asbestos exposure can be. If you’re a tradesperson, there’s a high likelihood that you will come across asbestos in your work at some point. Asbestos can be found in a variety of building materials, especially in older buildings, and even small amounts of exposure can lead to serious health conditions, such as mesothelioma.
The Asbestos and You Campaign
The Asbestos and You campaign offers vital resources for tradespeople, including the free ‘Quick Guide for Trades’. This guide is packed with essential advice, from how to identify asbestos to what steps to take if you come across it during your work.
Managing Asbestos in Non-Domestic Buildings
If you’re responsible for the maintenance and repair of non-domestic buildings—such as offices, schools, factories, or public buildings—you may have a legal duty to manage asbestos under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The Asbestos – Your Duty campaign provides a wealth of resources to support those in charge of managing asbestos in buildings. It’s vital that asbestos management plans are updated to ensure the safety of everyone working in or occupying those buildings.
Staying Informed
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website provides access to a wide range of guidance and resources on asbestos safety. Whether you’re a tradesperson, a dutyholder, or someone who simply wants to stay informed, the resources available can help you stay safe and compliant.
During Global Asbestos Awareness Week, allows all some time to ensure we’re doing everything we can to reduce the risks associated with asbestos. Your health and safety matter, and together, we can work to protect ourselves and future generations from the dangers of asbestos.
If you or someone you know has been affected by asbestos-related diseases, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal advice. We’re here to help. Our Head of Department, James Cameron, is accredited as an Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) member, which is a recognition of his specialist knowledge in this area.
