Does the HR department need to be worried about asbestos? In this article, we’ll be exploring the dangers of asbestos and how to minimise risks…
The role of the HR department includes a number of things, including employee benefits, training and talent management. One of the most important duties of the HR team is workplace safety. Having a safe place to work is essential for all employees and a mandatory requirement for any employer. The HR department takes responsibility for things like safety training to prevent injuries in the workplace.
Asbestos is a natural mineral that is often used in construction and fabric. However, inhaling or ingesting asbestos is detrimental to your health and over time can cause mesothelioma, a type of cancer. Because of this, asbestos is a massive concern for workers who are exposed to it and, as such, a concern for the HR department.
Failure to ensure employers are not at risk in the workplace can lead to legal action being taken, like an asbestosis claim. In this article, we will discuss the dangers of asbestos, lawsuits due to asbestos, and how to minimise the risk of asbestos in the workplace.
The Dangers of Asbestos
Asbestos has been used in the building industry for over a hundred years due to its fire resistance properties, electrical insulation, high tensile strength, and flexibility. However, when these microscopic fibres are able to enter the human body, they get stuck in vital organs like the heart or lungs and cannot be removed. Over time, this can cause mesothelioma.
Additionally, ingesting or inhaling asbestos can cause breathing difficulties due to scar tissue and inflammation in the lungs. Unfortunately, these consequences can occur if even the smallest amount of asbestos gets into the body.
Can Legal Action be Taken Against a Business Because of Asbestos?
If an employee becomes ill due to asbestos exposure in the workplace, they are entitled to make an asbestos compensation claim. Although this will never make up for the damage to their health or the loss of a loved one due to asbestos, it can make up for the loss of income and other financial implications.
It is the responsibility of the business owner through the HR team to ensure that workplace safety regulations are met. This includes training on how to use PPE equipment effectively, information on the dangers of asbestos, etc.
In the event that negligence has resulted in an employee being harmed because of exposure to asbestos, a lawsuit can be made against the business. For example, if no safety training was given by the HR department.
How to Ensure That the HR Department Is Following Asbestos Safety Standards
The health risks of asbestos are very real, and exposure causes over 5,000 deaths in the UK each year. To minimise the risk involved when workers have to work with asbestos, HSE has put in place a number of standards that businesses must follow to protect employees.
An employer is responsible for following these regulations in order to create a safe work environment and protect employees. If an employee feels like these safety standards are not being met, they can file a complaint with the HR team, whose responsibility it is to take this seriously and take action to rectify the situation.
How to Minimise the Risk of Asbestos Exposure
Several things can be done to minimise the risk of employees being exposed to asbestos. For instance, the employer and HR department should:
- Understand the risks related to asbestos and ensure that all employees are aware of them.
- Identify materials that may contain asbestos and take the necessary precautions.
- Keep detailed records of the location of asbestos.
- Complete detailed risk assessments.
- Have all the necessary protection equipment and ensure employees are trained to use them efficiently.
- If possible, remove the risk.
- Give detailed safety training to all employees who may be exposed to asbestos.
Should the HR Department be Concerned About Asbestos?
The HR department should always be aware of potential safety hazards in the workplace and provide workers with the necessary training and tools to keep them safe.
Doing so is not only crucial for the employee’s protection but also to protect the business from compensation claims and lawsuits. As such, the HR department should always be concerned about matters like asbestos.
Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a legal professional. Be sure to consult an asbestos claims solicitor if you need support due to asbestos exposure in the workplace. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.