THOUSANDS OF BRITS ARE STILL DYING PREMATURELY OF ASBESTOS RELATED DISEASES EVERY YEAR
It’s hard to believe that in the UK which has the best safety record in construction, thousands are still dying from work-related health issues.
The biggest killer is still asbestos and the biggest danger is that many construction workers are unaware that it is a real and current problem, not just something that happened many years ago.
Three diseases associated with asbestos are lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Within construction related trades, some roles have had exposure leading to relatively high incidences of premature death. This is illustrated by the number of workers dying of the disease before the age of 74 as measured over a five year period.
| Male Mesothelioma Deaths by Construction related Trades 2011-2015 | Incidence % | Chance – One in |
| Carpenters and joiners | 4.78% | 21 |
| Electrical engineers | 4.31% | 23 |
| Plumbers and heating and ventilating engineers | 3.72% | 27 |
| Pipe fitters | 3.30% | 30 |
| Electricians and electrical fitters | 2.93% | 34 |
Source: Extract from HSE Male Mesothelioma Deaths by Last Occupation 2011-2015
Asbestos is found in many materials which are referred to as ACMs. These may be securely bonded as in the reinforced plastic of a toilet cistern or very loosely held as in a fibre cement, boiler lagging or ceiling tiles.
Examples:
| Spray Coatings |
| Asbestos Millboard and Papers |
| Floor Tiles, Gaskets, Bitumen Felts |
| Mastics, Sealants, Putties, Adhesives |
| Textured Coatings and Paints |
| Reinforced Plastics |
| Lagging |
| Insulation Boards |
| Asbestos Yarns |
| Fibre Cement |
Some materials may have been painted over or hidden so it often takes an expert using invasive techniques to spot them.
All construction projects need to carry out comprehensive risk assessments and minimise risks including the risks due to asbestos.
Commercial buildings should have an Asbestos Register listing the known types and locations of ACMs. However, where any sort of alteration or demolition is planned or domestic work is planned, it is necessary to get a Refurbishment and Demolition survey. Where ACMs are found there is a duty to manage the asbestos. But how do workers know this? The evidence is that a high proportion are just not aware of the dangers.
The first step is to ensure that all workers and managers have undergone Asbestos Awareness training and are at least aware of the issues.
IOSH ‘No Time to Lose’ campaign.
The Institute of Occupational Health is behind the ‘No Time to Lose‘ campaign and offers very practical resources. These resources detail the graveness of the health risks, the likely areas where they may be found and how to manage the risks. No Time To Lose offers the chance to declare your support for the objectives of reducing the incidence of these work related health issues and to make appropriate policy for your company in the form of pledges. For specific guidance relating to your own projects or properties, call BSA on 01483 467270 or email bsims@bsims.co.uk