Maintenance workers urged to take precautions against asbestos

Construction maintenance workers have been urged to take precautions against asbestos when working in buildings built before 2000.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has stated that 20 tradesman die a week due to breathing in asbestos fibres during the course of their time at work.

In order to raise awareness, the organisation has urged women to raise the topic with their son or partner if they are employed on such projects.

Comments from Steve Coldrick, the head of the HSE's disease reduction programme, suggested that the use of personal protective equipment may be recommended.

He said: 'Any building built before the year 2000 may contain asbestos which is safe so long as it is left undisturbed.

'As soon as any work such as drilling or cutting takes place that may disturb the asbestos into the air maintenance workers need to take proper precautions to protect themselves against exposure.'

The HSE recently also used the recent storms across the UK to remind construction workers about the dangers of working in severe weather.

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