Tough New UK Laws to Combat Asbestos in the Workplace -- MesoLink.org -- 06-30-04

The UK has introduced tough new laws to try and combat the problem of asbestos related deaths and disease. All companies will now have a duty to ensure that their buildings comply with asbestos control regulation, and failure to do so could result in huge fines and prosecution.

It is thought that around half a million buildings in Britain that were constructed between the 1950s and 1980s, contain asbestos. This is the biggest killer in the workplace in the UK. Figures show that around 3500 people die each year from mesothelioma and related diseases and the figure is on the rise.

In 2002 the Control of Asbestos at Work regulation were introduced in Britain, and these new regulations have been introduced in addition to this in the hope of reducing the risks to employees by making companies take more responsibility for safety.

The UK’s Health & Safety Executive has been campaigning to raise awareness of regulations and safety where asbestos is concerned, but risk assessment research shows that only 54% of companies were even aware of the regulations and out of those that were, many were still not prepared.

With the figures of asbestos related disease and death expected to rise over the next decade, it is thought that failure to comply with regulations will result in severe action, with hefty fines and prosecution being threatened.