Insurer warns tradesmen over asbestos

Published on Sun 29 Jun 2008

Norwich Union Risk Services has warned workers that they must not rely on property owners and managers to ensure that all asbestos is properly managed in areas where they may be working.

Phil Grace of Norwich Union said:

"Although property owners have a duty to identify the presence of asbestos and take steps to reduce the risk, the material can still be present and workers must be vigilant. The law cannot cover every eventuality and therefore workers must be aware of the precautions they need to take.

"The HSE reports that 20 workers die from asbestos related diseases every week, and contrary to many people's beliefs, asbestos can be present in any building built or refurbished before the year 2000.

"There appears to be a growing sense of complacency regarding the risks associated with asbestos. Studies have shown that while many of the 'most at risk' workers know of the dangers of residual asbestos that remains in buildings, they do not believe that they would come into contact with it or they believe there's a safe limit."

The warning comes as the HSE continues its "Asbestos: The Hidden Killer" campaign.