Asbestos in the work place - An employer responsibility!
Simon Hayhurst • February 7, 2024
Understanding the risk of asbestos exposure.
HSE has launched a new campaign to highlight the risk of asbestos in buildings and raise awareness of the legal duty to manage those risks.
The duty to manage asbestos ensures workers and building users are protected from the risks of exposure to asbestos. It applies to a range of non-domestic buildings, including premises like factories, warehouses, offices and shops; and public buildings like hospitals, schools, premises used for religious worship, museums and libraries.
Whilst properties built from 2000 onward should not contain asbestos, it may be present in many kinds of older building materials.
Trades people should remain vigilant when working on domestic properties. At the end of this article are example of where asbestos maybe found in the home.
If you, the employer, identifies during a risk assessment that your employees could be exposed to asbestos through their activities then you must provide information and training. This training should be externally provided and refreshed.
To understand if you have a legal duty to to manage asbestos then use the following HSE usefil link. A few simple questions.
The HSE has also provided the following additional useful resources to help you manage asbestos exposure in your organisation.
- download the asbestos management plan template and the asbestos register template for your buildings
- watch our video explaining the steps to the duty to manage asbestos in buildings
- read the campaign press release
- download campaign assets to share on your channels
If you would like help reviewing your asbestos responsibilities then please get in touch with me.
Potential exposures in domestic homes.
- decorative textured coatings to ceilings and walls
- plastic and vinyl floor tiles
- roof tiles
- wall panels
- insulation panels in storage heaters
- packing between floors and partition walls
- bath panels
- toilet cisterns and seats
- some sink pads or sink protectors
- airing cupboard walls
- central heating flues
- corrugated cement garage or shed roofs
- gutters and drainage pipes
- pipe lagging
- textured paint and plastering
- cement fireplace surrounds
- cement water tanks
- asbestos insulation board (AIB) fire-lining to communal risers and gas meters
- fuse boxes.
When was the last time you carried out a First Aid Risk Assessment?
Friday, 21st June 2024 11:30 - 12:00
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The route cause of an accident is often down to employee wellbeing and mental health!
Health and safety in the telecoms sector in the UK, as in any industry, is of paramount importance. Ensuring the well-being of employees and the general public, as well as protecting critical infrastructure, are key reasons why health and safety measures are vital in this sector. Big Mountain Consultancy have extensive experience in the telcoms sector and can help organisations to comply with their health and safety arrangements and win contracts. Here are some reasons why health and safety in the telecoms sector is important: 1. Employee Well-being: Telecoms workers often deal with the installation, maintenance, and repair of equipment on communication towers, often at great heights. Ensuring their safety is critical to prevent accidents and injuries. Health and safety measures can include proper training, safety equipment, and procedures for working at height. 2. Public Safety: Telecoms infrastructure is ubiquitous and often located in public spaces, such as streets and buildings. Ensuring the safety of the general public is crucial, as accidents or equipment failures can pose serious risks to people passing by. 3. Technological Infrastructure: Telecommunications networks are critical infrastructure, and any disruptions can have far-reaching consequences, including impacts on emergency services, public communication, and the economy. Health and safety measures help protect this infrastructure from damage and outages caused by accidents or negligence. 4. Regulatory Compliance: The UK has strict regulations in place to ensure health and safety in the workplace. Companies operating in the telecoms sector are legally obligated to comply with these regulations to avoid fines and legal consequences. 5. Reputation and Brand Image: Companies that prioritise health and safety build a positive reputation and enhance their brand image. Customers and clients are more likely to trust a telecoms company that places a high value on safety. 6. Cost Savings: Investing in health and safety measures can lead to cost savings in the long run. Fewer accidents and injuries mean lower healthcare and compensation costs, as well as reduced downtime and maintenance costs. 7. Worker Productivity: A safe and healthy work environment can improve employee morale and productivity. Employees who feel safe are more likely to perform their jobs effectively. 8. Innovation and Sustainability: Health and safety considerations are increasingly being integrated into the design and implementation of new telecommunications technologies. Sustainable practices can reduce environmental impacts and improve long-term sustainability. 9. Continuous Improvement: By emphasising health and safety, companies in the telecoms sector can promote a culture of continuous improvement. Regular safety audits and feedback mechanisms help identify and address potential hazards and risks. In summary, health and safety in the UK's telecoms sector is crucial to protect employees, the public, critical infrastructure, and the reputation of companies operating in the industry. It is both a legal requirement and a moral obligation to ensure that safety measures are in place and that they are continuously improved upon as the sector evolves.
