Asbestos and Occupational Hygiene
Up to 5,000 people die each year due to asbestos related diseases. In spite of a nationwide ban on its use, this figure is set to rise as many workplaces still contain asbestos containing materials, ACMs . A quarter of all those people currently dying from asbestos related diseases once worked in the construction or building maintenance industries.
Asbestos materials are likely to be present in buildings constructed before 1999. Notwithstanding any alterations that may have taken place over the last 20 years, a high number of workplaces still contain ACMs.
Employers have a duty to manage ACMs in the workplace. Duty holders must be trained to understand their responsibilities, as must employees and contractors who may work in areas where ACMs are present.
Safety risks in the workplace are generally well understood but many employers struggle to effectively manage health issues arising from a wide range of environmental hazards. The Health & Safety Executive have estimated that over two million workers suffer a work related illness that is caused or made worse by their work.
In providing a good working environment, in identifying and assessing potential hazards, in ensuring adequate maintenance and testing regimes and in providing effective training to competent persons, managers and staff, the effects of environmental hazards in the workplace can be minimized to acceptable levels.
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