When asbestos hits the headlines it’s rarely a ‘good news’ story. Below is a selection of articles that have appeared in the media over the last few years.

At ACS we can help you to avoid bad press – at least where asbestos is concerned. For more information, please contact us 01422 370 588 or fill in our enquiry form online.

>> Asbestos exposure costs firms £25 000
>> Ban on Asbestos Case Directors
>> Work related asbestos cancer
>> New duty to manage asbestos

Asbestos exposure costs firms £25 000

Two companies have been fined over £23 000 after a court heard how contractors were exposed to the risk of inhaling asbestos during refurbishment work.

Speaking after the case, investigation health and safety executive Tom Cleary said: "In order for demolition or refurbishment projects to be undertaken safely, clients must fulfil their legal obligations under the Construction Design and Management Regulations. Clients must provide comprehensive information on the condition of the building, including an intrusive asbestos survey."

Source: Safety Management July/ August 2003

Ban on Asbestos Case Directors

A business man that employed school boys to strip asbestos from a factory ceiling has been banned from being a company director.

Work related asbestos cancer

Work related cancer can cause premature death. It has been estimated that four percent of all cancer deaths may have a work related cause.

Approximately half of these deaths are caused by exposure to asbestos.

New duty to manage asbestos

Last year a new duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises was added to the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations. This new duty (due to become law on 21 May 2004) will help to protect the largest group of workers at risk from an asbestos related disease e.g. building and maintenance workers and prevent a further 4,700 deaths over the next fifty years.

For more information on asbestos please contact us on 01422 370588 or complete our online enquiry form.