Asbestos management is a heavily regulated area of UK law, and with good reason. Exposure to asbestos can kill, either through development of Pleural Thickening, Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer or Asbestosis. Asbestos claims against companies with a duty to manage asbestos in their properties are becoming a regular occurrence.
If you are an employer or building manager and are aware of, or suspect, that your property contains asbestos, the solicitors at Farleys can provide clear, easy to understand legal advice, helping you ensure you are fully compliant with current asbestos regulations.
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 came into force on 13th November 2006. The regulations fit into four broad categories, designed to govern the management of asbestos in the UK:
- Duty to manage asbestos: Responsible persons have a duty to manage the asbestos in their property, whether domestic or non-domestic.
- Training: The regulations require that training is undertaken by any person liable to be exposed to asbestos fibres, for example maintenance workers and those involved in asbestos removal.
- Working with Asbestos: When working in buildings where asbestos is known to be present, responsible persons are required to prevent exposure to asbestos fibres.
- Asbestos Removal: The majority of asbestos removal work must be undertaken by a licensed contractor. Work will be licensed on the basis of a risk assessment.
UK asbestos laws are extremely complicated. If you are unsure of whether you, or your business, are currently complying with asbestos regulations, you may be putting yourself and your employees at risk. Contact the solicitors at Farleys for a discussion regarding your duty to manage asbestos.
Defending Asbestos Claims
Due to the extremely long latency periods of many asbestos related diseases, often companies find themselves defending asbestos claims resulting from exposures that occurred as long as 50 years ago.
When you contact Farleys regarding the defence of your asbestos claim, our asbestos claims solicitors will take all necessary steps to ascertain whether or not you are liable to pay compensation to former employees of your business, or a business that you have acquired.
