Tradespeople’s lives put at risk by their bosses as they instruct workers to ‘get rid of asbestos themselves’
- Asbestos is the greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK
- More than a third (35%) of tradespeople think asbestos isn’t risky or dangerous
- Almost half (46%) of those asked believe their asbestos training to have been insufficient
24 November 2024 marks 25 years since all forms of asbestos were banned in the UK. In light of the anniversary and to raise awareness around its pressing dangers, new research by leading online training provider High Speed Training, has revealed the alarming ambivalence that exists amongst tradespeople towards the material.
Despite around 5,000 people dying each year from asbestos-related illness, for half (50%) of tradespeople, asbestos has become less of a concern the longer they have been in their trade. According to the research, the top five reasons for the lessening concern are:
- Seeing asbestos as a problem of the past (36%)
- Asbestos being banned for so long (33%)
- The probability of already being exposed to asbestos (17%)
- Not knowing enough about asbestos (12%)
- Thinking that it’s only dangerous in large quantities (10%)
Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at asbestos training provider High Speed Training, comments: “Whilst asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999, it is still present in many buildings in the UK – with some reports stating it’s present in 1.5 million – and it can take as long as 30 years or more for symptoms of related diseases to appear, which really indicates the need for better awareness for tradespeople, their families, and the general public.”
When asked about their experiences with asbestos training, more than four in 10 (46%) tradespeople shared that they believed it was insufficient, with 20% feeling it lacked authority and 19% adding that the information they received felt outdated. One in 10 (11%) shared that their experience felt like a tick box exercise.
For those who have knowingly come into contact with asbestos, over a quarter (26%) revealed that they didn’t follow the recommended removal process. Reasons for not following the recommended process include the belief that it is too expensive (55%), instructions from their boss telling them to do it themselves (26%), and not having the correct safety equipment (PPE) in order to safely remove the asbestos (17%) being the top three reasons why.
Dr Anderson continues: “Asbestos removal regulations are in place to make sure that the risk of exposure to harmful fibres is limited and it’s imperative that guidelines are followed, by a trained professional. It is never something that you should attempt to do yourself, whether you are a tradesperson or member of the general public. There can be serious risks to your health if asbestos is disturbed and fibres are released into the air.”
A call for change for future generations
Whilst almost half (49%) of tradespeople view asbestos as a problem of the past, one thing that workers agree on is the need for more awareness about the dangers of asbestos for the families of tradespeople (74%) as well as the general public (69%). What’s more, over two thirds (70%) believe that asbestos training should be compulsory for those at apprentice and college level.
That’s why High Speed Training, in partnership with Mesothelioma UK and Independent Asbestos Training Providers (IATP), are calling upon the Department for Education for asbestos to be made a compulsory part of the curriculum for those at college and apprentice level. Dr Anderson shares: “As our research suggests, there are a number of tradespeople that either don’t know or have become unaware of the dangers of asbestos. The purpose of this open letter is to ensure that those entering into careers that have the highest chances of encountering the material have all the necessary information embedded into their education, so that they can protect themselves and those around them, now and in the future.
“This is a public interest issue and we’re asking for the relevant government body to do its part in aiding the future safety of everyone that could be impacted.”
To find out more about the campaign, including case studies from those impacted by asbestos, click here
