Asbestos Safety and Removal from Buildings

In the UK alone it is calculated that two million (2,000,000) workplaces were built using Asbestos.  It is likely that the US has tens of millions of workplaces partly constructed of Asbestos.  Asbestos in UK workplaces, even with better understanding of the material’s inherent dangers, still account for the major cause of work related deaths.

It is therefore essential that building managers and company owners are fully aware of the presence of Asbestos.  It is the responsibility of managers and company owners to ensure that the Asbestos is made safe and remains so.  They must:

• Know what asbestos is and where it is on their premises
• Understand the effects of Asbestos on the health of their employees
• Understand the legislation on Asbestos and take steps to ensure compliance
• Understand the process involved in removing asbestos from buildings in a safe manner

Mesothelioma

Asbestos dust is the cause of mesothelioma which is an incurable lung cancer.  If Asbestos dust is inhaled it is inevitable that the person who inhales it will contract mesothelioma and this will be the probable cause of their death.  For this reason it is imperative that companies have safety policies in place.  Courses are available to educate company representatives.

Companies which do not take their responsibilities to their employees seriously are rightfully prosecuted and cases can and do result in financial ruin for negligent companies.  Many lawyers specialise in prosecuting negligent companies on behalf of their workers who fall victim to mesothelioma due to unsafe working conditions.