New research by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has revealed that as many as one in four UK construction workers believe they may have been exposed to asbestos fibres, placing them at higher risk of contracting terminal cancers later in life. 

And with potentially half a million buildings containing this lethal mineral, employees across many sectors risk being exposed every day – continuing the trend of Britons having the world’s highest chances of dying from mesothelioma, a deadly asbestos-related cancer.

While the majority are familiar about the risks posed, a third of survey respondents have never checked the asbestos register before starting work on a new site – with nearly half of those not even knowing there is a register. Almost one in five respondents said if they discovered asbestos they wouldn’t be clear about what to do.

Leading scientists and safety and health experts have expressed concern about the findings. Along with IOSH, they are calling on employers across all sectors to ensure they do not expose employees.

“Uncertainty and ignorance surrounding how to prevent workers from breathing in the fibres is deeply worrying,” commented Dr Lesley Rushton, the new Chair of the UK’s Industrial Injuries Advisory Council.

“This is particularly the case among small companies, sole traders and older workers,” she added. “It is crucial that we reach them, to inform them of the risks and how these can be managed, to ensure their future health is not compromised.” 

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