Given the broad range of HSE’s remit and its focus on workers, it might come as a surprise, that asbestos gets its own paragraph on the first page of the business plans* forward. “We are actively addressing the legacy of asbestos in Great Britain by focusing on those most at risk and raising awareness among workers. Additionally, we will consult on targeted reforms to the Control of Asbestos Regulations.”

The current control of asbestos regulations was laid before parliament in 2012 after, the last period of consultation, so we now have a rare opportunity approaching to influence the strategy and priorities for asbestos in the UK. How FAAM consults with its members and creates a coherent and impactful response to the consultation must be front and centre of our thoughts and planning. We are certainly in “interesting times.”

However, as argued in the article by Professor Cherrie in this newsletter there is some debate as to the interpretation as to who are “most at risk”. I suspect there are many views on this and this phrase alone will dominate much of the discussion and the consultation. It could even be the opening question in a consultation, “Who do you consider to be most at risk from legacy asbestos and what data do you have to back up your response?”  Certainly, it is one FAAM may need to grapple with.

The need for evidence-based responses is essential in any consultation and HSE’s research strategy meeting in early March has set out some key areas for filling knowledge gaps. FAAM members also have many insights and as a learned society, will have an important role. However, it is important to stress we have a bit of time. The business plan sets our seven deliverables and one of them is to, “Complete proposal for consultation about targeted reform to the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations.”

Asbestos is also part of another of the seven deliverables “Deliver and evaluate interventions targeting failure to manage risks causing ill health.” This will involve some 700 planned inspections om the duty to manage asbestos in public sector buildings and 800 inspections for asbestos contractor licence compliance. Overall, of HSR’s 14,000 inspection target, asbestos related inspections represent greater than 10%.

For completeness the main section on asbestos of the HSE business plan is as follows:

             “We will continue to address the legacy of asbestos in Great Britain by targeting those most at risk. To help them understand the hazards and the actions they should take, our communications and guidance will clarify roles and responsibilities. Our work includes raising awareness among workers about the risks of disturbing asbestos. We will inspect and investigate dutyholders who are responsible for managing risk. This will include continuing to regulate licence compliance for asbestos contractors to ensure they remove and dispose of asbestos safely. Additionally, we will consult on targeted reforms to the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations.”

Garry Burdett (MFAAM)