02/04/2026
Asbestos Awareness Week UK
Although asbestos was banned in the UK over 25 years ago, it remains one of the biggest workplace health risks today. According to the Health and Safety Executive, around 5,000 people still die each year from asbestos-related diseases, making it the leading cause of work-related deaths in the country.
These figures are not just statistics—they represent individuals, families, and communities affected by preventable and unnecessary exposure. Diseases such as mesothelioma, which is almost exclusively caused by asbestos, continue to claim lives. What makes this particularly challenging is the long latency period; symptoms can take decades to appear, meaning the risks of past exposure are still being felt today.
It is estimated that more than 1.5 million buildings across the UK still contain asbestos. As a result, anyone working in or maintaining buildings constructed before 2000 could unknowingly be at risk if asbestos-containing materials are disturbed.
Under Regulation 10 of The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, those whose work could foreseeably disturb the fabric of a building and expose them to asbestos or who supervise or influence the work must receive asbestos awareness training.
This week serves as an important reminder that awareness, suitable training and effective management are critical in preventing exposure. Identifying asbestos, following correct procedures, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations can save lives.