Asbestos
is a naturally occurring substance which has seen widespread use as a building
material throughout the world. It was held in high regard from the 1900's owed
to its ease of access combined with its resistance to heat and its ability to
insulate. However the use & manufacture of asbestos is now prohibited in
the United Kingdom, this is due to the number of health issues that are
directly related to exposure to asbestos. Conditions such as mesothelioma, asbestosis
and pleural thickening have all been linked to contact with asbestos and
generally have a latency period of 15 years & upward before symptoms start
to show. Due to these serious conditions workers are able to claim asbestos compensation from the employers
who exposed them to this dangerous substance.
During
1950-1985 asbestos was used extensively in the building of schools , hospitals,
offices and residential homes. Asbestos can be found in many buildings that was
built before the year 2000. This means that a large number of schools and
public buildings contain asbestos and failure to undertake the appropriate
procedures and risk assessments could result in the detriment of peoples
well-being. Approximately 4200 people die per year due to asbestos related
illnesses and this results in a large number of asbestosis compensation claims being
pursued every year.
Teachers
and pupils who venture into schools may unknowingly be at risk of developing a
chronic illness. This was proven in 2010 when Hazel MacDonald was diagnosed
with mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos whilst she worked at Denbigh
Infant School, Bedfordshire which contained the deadly substance. Sadly due to
the nature of her condition Mrs MacDonald passed away on the 3rd of
March 2012. Mr MacDonald has now taken legal action against the local county
council stating that the correct procedures had not been taken to ensure
everyone safety.
An
investigation of schools in Wales during 2012 showed that 85% of the 1,514
schools in Wales still contained asbestos. In October 900 pupils had to be
temporarily moved out of Cwmcarn High School,
Caerphilly after asbestos dust particles were discovered in the air. The
risk was said to have been relatively low but buildings still had to be closed
and teaching was temporarily transferred to Ebbw Vale College at a cost of 1.5
million pounds.
In
2006 the United Kingdom introduced the Control of Asbestos regulations this
includes a section on 'duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic properties'. The
United Kingdom Health & Safety Legislation places a Statutory Obligation on
the 'duty holders'. This means that any changes that need to be made cannot be
delegated, ignored or avoided. The only option is for the 'duty holder' to
satisfy the requirements of the Health & Safety regulations.
Inspections
have been held in the educational sector by the HSE (Health & Safety
Executives) during 2009-2011 to asses if the duty holder has complied with the
control of asbestos regulations that had previously been implemented. A
'check-list' regarding asbestos has now been compiled in conjunction with the
inspections that took place. The HSE have also published guidance with
information on how to manage asbestos in schools and also how to proceed with
any removals or repairs needed.
Author
Bio; Adam Howard - Atrium Legal
Atrium
Legal are specialists in Industrial Disease, helping workers whose health has
been affect by their job. This includes many people who are due compensation
due to exposure Asbetsos.
We
also run a workers health blog with information,
advise and facts on many issues that affect workers.
