What's been in the news
Recent news
If you follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook, you will know that we regularly publish news that we think you find interesting, of use or insightful. We also have a YouTube channel - click on the links (over on the far right on desktop) to go to our social platforms.
Below are direct links to recent news posted:
Past news:
Click below for links to previous news
September 2024
Article
Know the facts. Last year, the HSE launched its campaign ‘Asbestos and You’ with the aim to raise awareness of the risks associated with asbestos.
The discovery of asbestos during works to upgrade Oxford's train station will "not have a significant impact", Network Rail has confirmed.
No wonder residents of Broxtowe are angry. Despite setting up the Stapleford and Trowell Boundary Brook Action Group, they are still no closer to getting the relevant authorities to organise the removal of suspected asbestos sheets - despite them being dumped over a year ago.
August 2024
Article
White asbestos (chrysotile) has been found in some small pieces of cement at the Ford UK Parts Distribution Centre in Daventry, Northamptonshire
The discovery of asbestos during works to upgrade Oxford's train station will "not have a significant impact", Network Rail has confirmed.
No wonder residents of Broxtowe are angry. Despite setting up the Stapleford and Trowell Boundary Brook Action Group, they are still no closer to getting the relevant authorities to organise the removal of suspected asbestos sheets - despite them being dumped over a year ago.
July 2024
Article
Published in the Summer 2024 edition of ARCA/ATAC News, Adrian Hodkinson, Head of Health and Safety Executive's Asbestos Unit discusses his role and mission for the unit.
Employers must ensure the proper implementation and utilisation of PPE to safeguard their workforce. It's an essential line of defence for minimising an asbestos risk .This piece by Croner and published by ARCA.
Emily-Jane Scandrett 'had no idea when she had come into contact with the substance...and is calling for more awareness of symptoms among medical professionals and potential sufferers.'
12,000 tonnes of controlled mixed construction and demolition waste dumped by this individual including asbestos.
Data shared by Irwin Mitchell (the law firm known for its work with clients affected by asbestos) reports on the removal of asbestos across 20 major UK councils in the last financial year.
Workplace Illness Lawyers At Irwin Mitchell Welcome Efforts But Renew Call For Government To Do More
June 2024
Article
Appalling case whereby workers were exposed to asbestos during a hotel demolition job. Clear breach of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 which impose a duty for the safe management of asbestos during construction work.
Claims that up to 150 school workers and pupils are at risk of death or fatal exposure from asbestos each year hits headlines this month.
150 deaths and fatal exposures every year from asbestos in UK’s crumbling schools
April 2024
Article
Making the transition to environmentally friendly practices and materials (‘Going Green’) is generally a good thing but there can be unforeseen risks associated with these initiatives.
The HSE reports on the jail term for a company director who failed to protect workers from exposure to asbestos at a student development project in Winchester.
Director jailed for failing to protect workers from asbestos exposure
Second article of a two-part investigation on the BBC website and well worth a read. It examines the need to find a solution to the waste management of asbestos. Landfill is not the answer, burying it will only delay the problem.
Asbestos is a global waste problem - here's how we might get rid of it
March 2024
Article
Should asbestos be included within guidance published by the National Trading Standards Estate and Lettings Agency Team? The guidance covers residential sales and lettings across the UK.
Read our blog, “Residential sales and lettings and dealing with asbestos detection”.
Residential sales and lettings and dealing with asbestos detection
On the UKATA website it voices its commitment to raising awareness and how during #2024GAAW “...organisations, support groups, medical professionals, and individuals unite to inform others about the risks associated with asbestos exposure, share information about asbestos-related diseases, and promote measures to prevent exposure.”
UKATA Continues to Raise Awareness During Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2024
We shared a BBC article regarding a claim that the MoD breached the Human Rights Act by "knowingly" exposing 260 Royal Marines to asbestos during 2 exercises in Latvia in 2018 and 2019.
The BBC has now been told that Canadian experts found loose asbestos in a Latvian base used by Royal Marines for training.
Asbestos has already been banned by more than 50 countries so it’s good to hear that finally, the US announces a ban on the only form of asbestos currently used or imported into the US.
February 2024
Article
Environmental officers warn the public to be careful what goes in bins.
A BBC article reports of an incident which “posed a health, safety and well-being risk to bin crews” when asbestos cement was found hidden in a garden waste bin, Grimsby.
Now this is worrying.
It is claimed the MoD breached the Human Rights Act by "knowingly" exposing 260 Royal Marines to asbestos during 2 exercises in Latvia in 2018 and 2019.
It’s also claimed that tests later found Chrysotile fibre.
We feel for the residents of South Ham whose community centre has been closed due to the discovery of asbestos and reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).
Hampshire County Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council are now considering whether to refurbish or demolish the building.
January 2024
Article
Asbestos: Your Duty has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive to improve understanding of what the legal duty to manage asbestos involves.
Keep people safe from future dangers of asbestos, regulator warns
The Health and Safety Executive will continue to carry out a programme of asbestos inspections in hospitals this year having begun the process in 2023.
