Asbestos study on tradesmen reveals alarming stats

UK - A study conducted by the British Lung Foundation found that only about 12% of workers who handle asbestos know the severity of the danger that being exposed to asbestos presented.

The BLF surveyed 400 workers, including builders, plumbers, electricians, joiners, carpenters, and gas fitters and the information the organization uncovered was very insightful but also alarming.

Researchers found that even with the suspicion of asbestos being present, 10% of workers still felt pressured to continue working. Slightly over 25% were under the impression that it was safe to come into contact with a minimal amount of the substance, with builders being the group most likely to believe asbestos presented no risk.

Three-quarters of the tradesmen in the study had not had any training regarding asbestos.

Also, about one-third of the respondents believed that asbestos has been removed from every building in the UK. Before starting on a job, 81% of the tradesmen neglect to confirm whether the site contained asbestos, although according to British law, companies must to notify workers in advance if the substance exists anywhere on the site.

BLF Chief Executive Helena Shovelton said she was very concerned about the health of these tradesmen who are may be working on sites unaware that they may be getting exposed to the substance. Although the BLF wishes for the asbestos to be a “disease of the past,” the organization says that is not possible until workers are more knowledgeable of the current risk.

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