Avoid liability for asbestos compensation - employ a contractor

Any owner of a business or private residence in Scotland who finds that their premises or property poses an asbestos risk is legally obliged to take suitable action. Failure to do so not only presents risks of exposure to deadly asbestos particles and fibres, it may also mean that they are one day liable to pay asbestos compensation to anyone who has suffered exposure.

Clearly, dealing with asbestos should never be considered a DIY job. This is why professional asbestos management specialists should be called in. There are some cases where, if the asbestos risk is very low, a home owner may be able to remove the asbestos without any professional help.

Even so, in these situations the asbestos should be tightly wrapped and clearly labelled "ASBESTOS" as it is hazardous waste. Your local council should have good information on asbestos disposal, such as that provided by Aberdeenshire Council: http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/waste/points/asbestos.asp

Unlicensed but competent contractors can carry out low risk asbestos management work but for high risk situations, a licensed contractor is a legal necessity.

Calling in an asbestos management professional
The high profile given to the thousands of asbestos compensation claims made in Scotland and the wider UK each year are a tragic reminder of asbestos's deadly legacy.

If asbestos is in an undisturbed condition it should not pose any risk. However, any kind of construction or renovation work that involves asbestos contaminated materials poses potential dangers that cannot be ignored.

As outlined by the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 and the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, all workplaces have a legal obligation to safely manage the asbestos risk posed by the carrying out of such work this is where the asbestos management professional takes over.

Generally, an asbestos management professional will only be called into action once extensive surveys of the risk have been carried out. Many surveyors are also licensed to carry out asbestos management work as well, so you will probably only have to deal with the one company.

Surveys can be carried out in-house, however, this is not always advisable, so someone looking to employ an surveyor should look for one that is accredited by either ABICS (the Asbestos Building Inspectors Certification Scheme), which is operated by the Faculty of Occupational Health (FOH) as part of the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS); or by NIACS (the National Individual Asbestos Certification Scheme).

Making a no win, no fee claim for asbestos compensation
Even today, many years after the ban on its use, the legacy of asbestos still continues to haunt thousands of people across Scotland and the UK.

If you or a member of your family has developed an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma or asbestosis as a result of exposure to deadly fibres, you may well be entitled to claim asbestos compensation.

Doing this is possible even if the company where you suffered exposure has closed. This is because the insurers of your former workplace will still be around to accept liability. Even in rare cases where the insurance company has folded too, there is still plenty of legal scope for you to receive the asbestos compensation you deserve.

Over the years our no win, no fee lawyers have helped many people similarly afflicted by the legacy of asbestos. They do so at absolutely no cost to the claimant. Win or lose, we guarantee to protect you from all legal costs and fees.

Furthermore, we never take a cut of anyone's compensation, meaning 100% of all money awarded will go straight to you.

If you would like to investigate your right to claim compensation for an asbestos-related condition, you can drop us an online claim form or talk with a legal advisor using e-chat.

Alternatively, if you would like to speak to someone right now, simply call 0800 10 757 95. If you would like to speak to someone on the telephone but do not have the time right now, leave us a call back request and we will contact you at a time you say is convenient.