Asbestos

    Charles Pickles Airtight on Asbestos

    Foresight, hindsight and heads in the sand – preventing future deaths from asbestos

    With growing evidence of rising cases of asbestos disease among people working in buildings containing asbestos, it is clear the existing strategy of managing asbestos-containing materials ‘in situ’ is failing, and a comprehensive programme of removal must be adopted as quickly as possible.

    By Charles Pickles, Airtight on Asbestos on 02 April 2026

    Asbestos

    HSE highlights common asbestos failings as inspections ramp up

    HSE marks Global Asbestos Awareness Week (1–7 April), highlighting free guidance and training resources available to help dutyholders and trades comply with the law.

    By Belinda Liversedge on 02 April 2026

    Asbestos Hasmat Suit Removal MED Istock Credit Shank Ali

    Why it’s time for a new national asbestos strategy

    A group of asbestos management organisations have developed a methodology that can more accurately identify the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). It presents the information in simple form so building owners have a better understanding of the risk the ACMs pose. The move would also allow asbestos removal strategies to be targeted at buildings with the riskiest ACMs and the most vulnerable occupants.

    By Campaign team, Asbestos Information CIC on 01 September 2025

    Daniel Easton

    It is time to end the lottery of asbestos compensation

    A legal anomaly that makes it more difficult for sufferers of asbestos-related lung cancer to obtain compensation than people who have developed mesothelioma means large numbers of people are dying before receiving full compensation that could prove vital in the final months of their lives.

    By Daniel Easton, Association of Personal Injury Lawyers on 30 October 2025

    Construction Worker Bad Back MED Istock Coffeekai

    HSE inspectors target Manchester construction sites as part of health drive

    HSE inspectors made a series of proactive inspections last week in Manchester city centre to tackle ill-health on construction sites.

    By Belinda Liversedge on 28 October 2025

    Asbestos

    The compelling case for mandatory UKAS accreditation in asbestos surveying

    With recent HSE research concluding that asbestos site surveys from UKAS-accredited companies and surveyors consistently deliver higher quality results than their non-accredited counterparts, the time has arrived for the Government and HSE to introduce mandatory UKAS accreditation for all organisations providing asbestos surveying services.

    By Robert Southall, Asbestos Testing and Consultancy Association (ATaC) on 02 September 2025

    Charles Pickles

    Why a fourth wave of British asbestos deaths is imminent

    Although in past years asbestos-related mesothelioma deaths have been associated with exposures among construction and related trades working on the fabric of buildings, emerging evidence suggests that future cases of mesothelioma will be dominated by those exposed as children and teachers in schools in recent years, today and in the future.

    By Charles Pickles, Airtight on Asbestos on 02 September 2025

    Istock 000019788268 Double Credit Chrispole

    Asbestos: the public’s right to know

    Why we urgently need to improve training standards and awareness about asbestos exposure.

    By Richard Blunt, Mesothelioma UK on 02 September 2025

    Sarah Lyons

    Asbestos in schools: we urgently need a properly funded removal programme to reduce the risk to pupils and staff

    The National Education Union (NEU) was formed in 2017 from an amalgamation of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL). In total we have around half a million members, who work as teachers, support staff and leaders.

    By Sarah Lyons, National Education Union (NEU) on 03 September 2025

    Asbestos Fringe Event Labour Party Conference 290925 MED FOR WEB

    Protecting workers from asbestos harm, a crucial conversation at Labour Party Conference

    British Safety Council was pleased to join campaign group, Asbestos Information CIC, at their ‘A National Asbestos Strategy’ fringe event at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool.

    By Matthew Winn, British Safety Council on 29 September 2025