HSE launches ‘Asbestos and You’ campaign

HSE has launched a new campaign to remind people working in construction trades to manage the risks associated with asbestos. 

Despite it being banned in the building industry since 1999, figures show that 5,000 people a year still die from asbestos-related diseases. It didn’t disappear when it was banned in the UK and we know that asbestos remains in millions of homes and buildings.  

Those carrying out repairs or refurbishment work are at a higher risk of disturbing asbestos, especially when working in houses. Builders, carpenters, electricians, joiners, plasterers, plumbers and roofers are just some of the trades being urged to take the risks of asbestos seriously.

The campaign particularly wants to reach those who started their careers from the year 2000, after the use of asbestos was banned, so they know the risk still remains.

Visit the Asbestos and You website for more information about the campaign and how you can support it. You can also:

• Download our new ‘quick guide for trades’
• View our Asbestos essentials guidance 
• Read HSE’s asbestos campaign press release 
• Sign up for asbestos campaign updates by subscribing to our ebulletin