Personal injury
An employer’s duty to protect workers from asbestos
In the event asbestos is discovered where workers and the public may be at risk of exposure, those responsible for the property should act as quickly as possible.
In the event asbestos is discovered in a non-domestic property – or indeed a domestic property - where workers and the public may be at risk of exposure, those responsible for the property should act as quickly as possible.
Risk of asbestos
Asbestos that has been disturbed should be treated as a severe health risk. For this reason, if asbestos is discovered, or suspected during renovation work, robust measures should be taken to ensure the risk is minimal.
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 any asbestos discovered on a work site must be registered and disposed of by specialists. Duty holders must, by law, see that risk assessments are carried out, along with clear plans that ensure any further health risk is eliminated. They should also provide information on the location and condition of the materials to anyone who is liable to work on or disturb them.
Raising awareness of the risks of exposure to asbestos is important in avoiding the life-changing effect it can have on people many years down the line. Any acknowledged breaches of health and safety should therefore be suitably punished in considering the potential damage that such negligence could cause.
How can you register your exposure to asbestos?
If you suspect that you have been exposed to asbestos on a work site, you should record this exposure as soon as possible. In the event that you are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease it may be difficult to trace the exact time and place that you were exposed. By registering your asbestos exposure immediately, this information could help in bringing an asbestos compensation claim.
How we can help
Slater and Gordon have a specialist team of asbestos compensation solicitors that deal with asbestos claims on a no win no fee basis. For a free consultation call 0330 041 5869 or contact us online and we’ll be happy to help you.
All information was correct at the time of publication.
Greater Manchester Asbestos Victims Support Group (GMAVSG) offer free independent advice about benefits and compensation to people who have been diagnosed with an asbestos related condition.
