Asbestos training and raising awareness of the dangers should continue during Covid-19

The coronavirus pandemic has had a severe impact on all of our lives, with focus in business and in our healthcare system diverted so we can provide the necessary resources to tackle this crisis.  Several organisations and industries however are calling for training to be increased regarding the dangers of asbestos and the side effects of working alongside this material, with deaths not declining each year despite the material being banned over 20 years ago.  Deborah Foundling, Associate Solicitor and Industrial Disease specialist in our Personal Injury team, here reviews the current situation throughout certain sectors and explains how we can support those who may be facing a serious diagnosis.

Asbestos in the public sector

Asbestos still presents a significant problem within our NHS and teaching system.  Asbestos remains in a number of hospital buildings and schools across the country, leading to fresh calls for mandatory training for new NHS staff.  This would help them understand the risks associated with coming into contact with the material and the possibility of a diagnosis of mesothelioma, the asbestos-related cancer that continues to cause hundreds of deaths each year. 

A recent study conducted by the University of Sheffield and Mesothelioma UK made certain recommendations to improve awareness within NHS staff, which included:

• Allowing staff affected by asbestos-related diseases to use their skills to help fellow patients;
• A reminder for all NHS staff, including new starters and those retiring, about the presence and risks of working in, or having worked in, the hospital environment and how to identify any future illness linked to exposure to asbestos;
• Improving data available to those in the healthcare profession.

“In the same way that asbestos is still in existence in many hospital buildings, it is also still present in many of the 32,770 schools across the UK,” explains Deborah.  “According to recent figures from the National Education Union, on average a teacher has died every fortnight over the past 15 years due to an asbestos-related disease, and that figure unfortunately does not show signs of slowing down.  As mesothelioma takes so many years to develop, it is possible that this will increase, which is why raising awareness of the risks and campaigning for its removal is so important.”

Asbestos in the construction industry

“The construction industry has always been one at particular risk of asbestos exposure as they tend to work on buildings that may require asbestos to be removed or contained in order to continue work,” explains Deborah.  “The UK Asbestos Training Association, or the UKATA, recently highlighted that due to Covid-19, asbestos training in the industry has dropped to the lowest level in five years.  Construction sites re-opened in May, however only 6,000 workers undertook asbestos training from March to August compared to an average of 18,000 a month pre-Covid.  This really is a shocking figure and it’s vital that all those at risk are aware of what to look for and are trained in the crucial next steps should they discover asbestos.”

UKATA was created in 2008 to provide asbestos awareness training for those most at risk, particularly as it is estimated that there are still 6 million tonnes of asbestos in the UK in as many as 1.5 million buildings.

“It is not only UKATA calling on an increase in training,” continues Deborah.  “The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also recommends that regular refresher training should be undertaken using reputable and licensed providers.”

How do I spot the signs of mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma takes many years to present itself after the exposure to asbestos, typically taking between 20 and 50 years to develop.  It is due to this latency that deaths are expected to continue, and possibly increase unless training is increased and further campaigning is successful to remove the substance from buildings.  The HSE reported in July this year that in 2018 there were 2,446 deaths from mesothelioma with similar numbers expected in for 2019 and 2020.

Another consequence of symptoms not developing earlier is that unfortunately by the time symptoms do appear, the disease is normally in an advanced stage.  This is why you should consult your doctor as early as possible if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Dry cough or wheezing
• Fatigue
• Fever and sweating
• Muscle weakness
• Pain in the chest, lower back or abdomen, particularly when breathing
• Respiratory complaints
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss

“In our current situation, you may be feeling concerned or worried about talking to your doctor about any health issues you have, or they may be operating differently to how they were pre-Covid and so you are struggling to obtain an appointment,” concludes Deborah.  “We would urge you however to not let this discourage you from seeking help should you develop any of the symptoms named in this article, particularly if you have worked in any of those industries at risk, or you believe you have been exposed to asbestos either directly or indirectly through a member of your family in the past.  While there are no treatments currently available for mesothelioma to cure the disease, we can offer our advice as to how making a claim for compensation could assist you and your family in the short and long term future, as well as put you in contact with additional support organisations.” 

To discuss how you can make a claim, or for any advice regarding your mesothelioma diagnosis, you can contact Deborah or the Personal Injury team on 0800 91 92 30 or email deborahfoundling@warnergoodman.co.uk.   Alternatively, you may find the following resources useful:

• Asbestos and mesothelioma claims
• What are the early symptoms of mesothelioma?
• How much compensation will I receive for mesothelioma?
• Can I sue for exposure to asbestos?
• What is secondary exposure?
• Construction workers and exposure to asbestos

ENDS

This is for information purposes only and is no substitute for, and should not be interpreted as, legal advice.  All content was correct at the time of publishing and we cannot be held responsible for any changes that may invalidate this article.