November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and this year, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is focusing on the dangers of asbestos (which can cause Lung Cancer) and other occupational lung diseases. With an estimated 12,000 lives lost each year to work-related lung disease, this issue demands our attention.
These deaths stem from exposure to harmful substances on the job, including asbestos—a well-known but often overlooked danger. Around 5,000 of these yearly deaths are tied to asbestos-related diseases alone. Yet, with the right knowledge and precautions, we can work together to protect workers and prevent future tragedies.
HSE’s Campaigns on Asbestos Awareness
To shine a spotlight on asbestos safety, HSE is running two vital campaigns:
1. Asbestos – Your Duty
This campaign supports dutyholders—those legally responsible for managing asbestos in buildings. It provides clear guidance and templates to help ensure buildings are asbestos-safe. By following these resources, dutyholders can meet their legal obligations and keep their spaces safer for everyone.
2. Asbestos and You
Asbestos and You is tailored for tradespeople, who are often at the highest risk of encountering asbestos on the job. This campaign offers a free, easy-to-follow guide that helps tradespeople recognise asbestos risks and stay safe. Whether you’re a plumber, electrician, or builder, understanding these risks could be life-saving.
Access Free Resources and Protect Your Health
HSE’s campaigns provide free resources, quick guides, and practical tools that can help protect workers from the hidden dangers of asbestos. By using these materials and following the guidance, we can collectively reduce asbestos-related deaths and safeguard the health of tradespeople and building managers alike.
To access these resources, visit HSE’s campaign pages:
- Asbestos – Your Duty for dutyholders
- Asbestos and You for tradespeople
This November, let’s raise awareness and take action. With each step, we bring ourselves closer to a future where work-related lung diseases are a thing of the past.
