The inspections have focussed attention on the safety issues connected with asbestos, as well as dusts of various kinds. What can your business do to keep itself safe? rradar H&S consultant Ken Cook takes a look at what’s involved. 

Although safety is often the priority, it should be remembered that ill-health affects far more workers than those who are injured or killed by accidents at work. The effects of asbestos and dusts, particularly silica, can take a long time to manifest but there should be no doubt about the dangers and both employers and employees need be aware of these. 

The effects of exposure to asbestos, RCS (respirable crystalline silica) and other dust may take years to be detected and may result in: 

  • Asthma 
  • Asbestosis or Asbestos-related lung cancer (Mesothelioma) 
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 
  • Lung cancer 
  • Pleural thickening 
  • Silicosis 

The aim of the inspection initiative is to make sure that businesses and workers know the risks that dusts present, are able to plan their work to take these risks into account and implement the control measures to protect the workforce. 

Be prepared

The HSE has indicated that where poor standards are found, enforcement action will be taken. If your project involves these occupational health risks, it’s important to ensure that you are familiar with the guidance and information available. 

What to expect when the HSE inspector calls

The HSE inspectors are allowed access to premises at any reasonable times and if the Inspector identifies a breach of health and safety law, they have a range of enforcement powers available to them from verbal advice if it is something minor that could be easily rectified or any of the following: 

  • Give advice in writing 
  • Issue a ‘Notice of Contravention’ if a material breach of health and safety law has been identified. The cost of investigating this, including writing letters, is currently £174 per hour. This could be in addition to any other enforcement action taken. 
  • Issue an Improvement Notice or a Prohibition Notice 
  • Prosecute in more serious cases. 

The HSE provide a free guide “What to expect when a HSE inspector calls”: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hsc14.pdf 

What can you do?

It’s important to bear in mind that although the focus of the inspection initiative is on asbestos and dusts, an inspector will not ignore any other obvious hazards or breaches of health and safety legislation. Preparing for a possible asbestos/dust inspection is also a prime opportunity to take a fresh look at the business and its compliance with health and safety regulations. 

Consider how you would answer the following questions: 

  • Are all the correct signs in place? 
  • Is the wearing of PPE enforced? 
  • Is the area tidy with slip/trip hazards reduced to a minimum? 
  • Are welfare facilities clean and functional with toilets, hot water etc, drying hands? 
  • Are vehicles and pedestrians safely separated? 
  • Are mains-powered tools 110 volt and using a transformer or ideally battery powered? 
  • Are all risk assessments relevant, accessible and up to date? 
  • Has the appropriate asbestos survey and assessment been carried out if required? 
  • Has that information been passed to contractors and sub-contractors along with any restrictions? 
  • Are all safe working at height controls measures in place? 
  • If asbestos is on the premises, is it clearly marked? 

How can we help? 

There is a lot to remember when it comes to health and safety issues, especially when they involve potentially hazardous substances such as dust or asbestos. That’s why rradar’s expert legal advisors should be your first port of call. Trained and experienced in all aspects of regulatory law, including health and safety, they are ready and waiting to help you with your queries.