Protecting Workers From Asbestos Exposure
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The Health and Safety Executive's call to strengthen the Control of Asbestos Regulations is a step in the right direction as organisations make moves to improve asbestos management and protect workers.
With around 5,000 people dying each year from asbestos-related diseases, and the substance still present in an estimated 500,000 UK workplaces, it's crucial that we bring asbestos to the forefront of our minds once again.While updates to regulations are essential, the onus is still on businesses to protect their workforce. Compliance alone isn’t enough. Businesses need to be layering digital oversight into asbestos management to proactively identify chemicals and document potential exposure across their sites.
When asbestos is found and it comes to removal, the risks are even greater for contract and temporary workers, who often face less consistent oversight and training. Self-employed workers account for around 40% of workplace fatalities, despite representing only 15% of the workforce – a stark reminder of the vulnerability of those outside permanent employment. By integrating digital permit-to-work solutions, organisations can ensure that only certified contractors with approved risk assessments and job safety analyses are authorised to carry out high-risk work, using the correct protective controls every time.
As the HSE seeks views on how best to enhance protection from asbestos exposure, this consultation should serve as a catalyst for businesses to look beyond compliance, embracing digitalisation as a foundation for prevention, accountability, and a safer future for every worker.
