Asbestos claims - Health and safety advice for employers

If you employ people who work with asbestos then unless you manage the situation properly and take the proper precautions to prevent their exposure to the dangerous substance, they could end up sustaining a serious asbestos-related disease such as asbestosis or even the fatal cancer mesothelioma.

In addition to that, you could be putting the future of your business at risk as you may have costly asbestos claims made against you by such workers who have been exposed to and subsequently inhaled asbestos fibres.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), who are dedicated to protecting employees in the UK against risks of accidents at work as well as other health, safety and welfare violations, if you are an employer then it is your responsibility to make sure of the following:

• Work is planned to avoid disturbing any asbestos contained in materials being worked with.

• Anyone who is going to work on asbestos material is trained and supervised properly.

• A plan of work is prepared which explains what the job involves, the correct work procedures and what controls should be used.

• You know what work can be carried out on materials containing asbestos and whether the assistance of a HSE licensed contractor is required.

• All workers are provided with the correct equipment which is clean, in good working order and protects them against exposure to asbestos.

• All workers are trained to use protective equipment effectively.

• You take account of any other risks that may be associated with your type of work, such as taking necessary precautions when working from height.

• The work area is inspected visually and thoroughly at the end of the job to ensure that it is fit for reoccupation.

• Arrangements are made for the safe disposal of any asbestos waste - it is double bagged, labelled as asbestos waste and taken away by the Local Authority or Environment Agency.

• Consult the workplace health and safety representative if there is one.

If you require further information about managing asbestos and the regulations which require employers to prevent asbestos exposure, or where this is not reasonably practical make sure that asbestos exposure is kept as low as possible, please see www.opsi.gov.uk.

Making an asbestos compensation claim today
If you, or a member of your family, have been affected by harmful asbestos fibres as a result of an employer's negligence then it is likely that you can make an asbestos claim through us today.

YouClaim are experts at dealing with compensation claims made by those suffering the affects of asbestos exposure. Our specialist personal injury solicitors can help you to claim for pain, suffering, lost earnings and medical expenses if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease within the last three years, even if you worked with the substance that caused your disease more than 50 years ago.

We work on a no win, no fee basis, guarantee that you won't have to pay anything towards your case and that you will get to keep all compensation awarded to you as we won't take a sneaky cut.

For free legal advice about making an asbestos claim or to make a no win, no fee compensation claim today, just call 0800 10 757 95.