Engineering and training company Hardy Services has responded to shocking asbestos risk survey

An HSE-commissioned survey, undertaken last month by Censuswide, has shed light on the extent of asbestos ignorance amongst tradespeople, with a shocking 14% believing drinking water protects from the dust and a further 27% wrongly believing that opening a window would protect them from harm.

Just as concerning was the fact that only 30% of respondents were aware of the correct measures when it comes to working with asbestos, while 57% of those asked were found to have made at least a single potentially deadly mistake.

Currently, as many as 20 tradespeople die on average each week as a result of asbestos-based health issues and diseases.

Unsurprisingly, concerns have been raised in wake of the release of the findings, especially considering that tradespeople – painters & decorators, construction workers, carpenters, etc – could statistically come into contact with the dangerous dust hundreds of times a year.

Asbestos is most commonly found in ceilings and walls but it’s also sometimes used in a buildings structure, guttering, tiles and more.

Minister for health and safety, Mark Harper, said: “The number dying every year from asbestos-related diseases is unacceptably high. Despite being banned in the construction industry, asbestos exposure remains a very serious risk to tradespeople.

“This safety campaign is about highlighting the risks and easy measures people can take to protect themselves. We hope the safety kits and the web app will encourage people to be aware of the risks, think twice, and take precautions to be safe.”

Hardy Services, an engineering company providing numerous services and professional training courses, often comments on related industry news.

A spokesman for the company said: “We provide training courses to give people the skills needed to work safely with asbestos, so we know all too well just how dangerous it is. It really isn’t a material you want to take risks with and those who do are putting their health in real danger.

“It’s worrying that such a large number of people are oblivious to not only how asbestos works but also the serious risks involved, and it really does underline just why asbestos training is essential.”

Hardy Services are based in Burnley, Lancashire. They specialise in civil, electrical, utilities and mechanical engineering and have worked in the industry for over 35 years. They also provide a number of training courses, including asbestos awareness and confined space training. Visit their website today at www.hardyservices.co.uk for more information.