As one of a number of similar initiatives nationwide, the Health and Safety Executive recently carried out a blitz on sites in Kent to check for compliance with the asbestos regulations.  Over a thousand contacts were made with 151 random site visits in Thanet, Cantebury, Dartford and Dover.  As a result of these visits, 33 improvement notices and 2 prohibitions were posted.

The HSE’s principal inspector in Kent, Mike Walters, said: “It is disappointing to note that 25% of the premises are failing significantly in their duty which has resulted in enforcement notices being served. Duty holders need to check if they are taking reasonable steps to ensure that asbestos is adequately managed in their premises.”

With many organisations failing to comply with their duty to manage asbestos, clearly there is the potential for costly action to be taken by the inspecting body, but more importantly the risk of significant exposure to asbestos, which remains Britain’s largest occupational killer accounting for around 4000 deaths each year.

If you have any concerns about asbestos, or your compliance with the regulations, please give us a call today on 08456 800636 and we will be happy to talk through your situation.