Understanding Asbestos Risk: What Businesses, Contractors and Property Managers Need to Know
The dangers of asbestos remain a critical concern across the UK. Despite its ban in 1999, asbestos exposure continues to cause more than 5,000 deaths each year, making it the single biggest cause of work-related fatalities. For employers, contractors, and anyone responsible for managing buildings, understanding asbestos risk and your legal responsibilities is essential.
Asbestos in Buildings: A Hidden Legacy
From the 1950s through to the 1990s, asbestos was widely used in construction alongside Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). Commonly installed in schools, hospitals, theatres, housing blocks, council premises, factories, offices and even airports like Heathrow and Gatwick, asbestos was prized for its insulation and fire-resistant properties.
However, the deterioration of materials such as RAAC planks has raised concerns that asbestos fibres may now be exposed in ageing roofs and walls, creating ongoing health risks for workers and building users.
For more background, see the HSE’s asbestos guidance.
Who is Most at Risk?
Asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural thickening typically take at least 30 years to develop. In fact, the UK has the highest number of mesothelioma cases in the world, with two-thirds of deaths occurring in people aged over 75.
According to Cancer Research UK, around 94% of mesothelioma cases are linked to direct or indirect workplace exposure.
While historically associated with trades such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work and shipbuilding, the reality is that anyone working in or maintaining older buildings could be at risk. Alarmingly, around 90% of school buildings in England contain asbestos, and the same is likely true for many other public and commercial properties.
What Checks Should You Make?
If you are a small business or contractor, you may assume others have carried out asbestos surveys—but you should always check. Helpful tools include:
The HSE “Asbestos and You” quiz (https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/asbestos-and-you.htm ) – eight quick questions to test your awareness.
An IOSH and HSE asbestos webinar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhJpJbFvbrE) – free on YouTube.
The H&S A–Z asbestos section (https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm) – offering further resources and practical guidance.
Being proactive can help protect both your workers and your business from liability.
Help is at Hand: The HSE “Your Duty” Campaign
In 2023, the HSE launched the Asbestos – Your Duty campaign. This initiative targets anyone responsible for managing asbestos in buildings and provides updated templates (including an asbestos management plan), explanatory videos, and clear guidance on complying with the law.
Sarah Albon, HSE’s Chief Executive, emphasised:
“To keep people safe from the harms of asbestos, a culture of safely managing asbestos is needed in our building industry and among those responsible for buildings. Together, we must protect people in the workplace and reduce future work-related ill health.”
Insurance Protection for Organisations
Managing asbestos risk isn’t just about compliance—it’s also about protecting your organisation if something goes wrong. Having the right commercial property and liability insurance can help safeguard your business.
Charities, schools, contractors and property managers may also want to review cover such as public and employers’ liability insurance (https://www.talbotjones.co.uk/public-employers-insurance) to ensure they are protected should asbestos-related claims arise.
Talbot Jones Ltd is a family-run Chartered Insurance Broker specialising in third sector and charity insurance and professional services businesses. Get in touch for free insurance advice, a review, or a quotation.
