Global Asbestos Awareness Week (1st–7th April)

Many businesses will already know that Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW) runs from 1st to 7th April each year, raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. It’s an ideal time for organisations to revisit the control measures they have in place to protect workers, families, and anyone who may come into contact with asbestos on site.

👉 Despite being banned in the UK over 25 years ago, asbestos is still responsible for around 5,000 deaths each year in Great Britain.
Asbestos-related diseases often take decades to develop after exposure—so the consequences of poor management today will be felt for years to come.

🏢 Any building constructed or refurbished before the year 2000 could contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). These are items, products or debris that contain as little as 1% asbestos fibres and are still classified as hazardous. Many properties have never had a detailed asbestos survey and may still house hidden risks.

📘 The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 set out the legal duties for building owners (Duty Holders) to manage asbestos safely. This includes:

• Determining the correct type of asbestos survey
• Creating an asbestos register
• Implementing control measures

🔍 My best advice to Duty Holders: you are legally responsible for ensuring the regulations are followed. Ignorance is not a defence for non-compliance. Always carry out due diligence when engaging with industry experts.
A great first step is speaking to your Health & Safety Advisor or insurance provider for guidance.

Let’s use this week as a reminder: protecting lives from asbestos exposure is not just good practice—it’s the law.

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