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What's been in the news

Recent news

If you follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook, you will know that we regularly publish news that we think you find interesting, of use or insightful. We also have a YouTube channel - click on the links (over on the far right on desktop) to go to our social platforms.

Below are direct links to recent news posted:

Past news:

Click below for links to previous news

April 2024

Article

Making the transition to environmentally friendly practices and materials (‘Going Green’) is generally a good thing but there can be unforeseen risks associated with these initiatives.

Asbestos: the unseen threat in the UK’s green revolution

The HSE reports on the jail term for a company director who failed to protect workers from exposure to asbestos at a student development project in Winchester.

Director jailed for failing to protect workers from asbestos exposure

Second article of a two-part investigation on the BBC website and well worth a read. It examines the need to find a solution to the waste management of asbestos. Landfill is not the answer, burying it will only delay the problem.

Asbestos is a global waste problem - here's how we might get rid of it

March 2024

Article

Should asbestos be included within guidance published by the National Trading Standards Estate and Lettings Agency Team? The guidance covers residential sales and lettings across the UK.

Read our blog, “Residential sales and lettings and dealing with asbestos detection”.

Residential sales and lettings and dealing with asbestos detection

On the UKATA website it voices its commitment to raising awareness and how during #2024GAAW  “...organisations, support groups, medical professionals, and individuals unite to inform others about the risks associated with asbestos exposure, share information about asbestos-related diseases, and promote measures to prevent exposure.”

UKATA Continues to Raise Awareness During Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2024

We shared a BBC article regarding a claim that the MoD breached the Human Rights Act by "knowingly" exposing 260 Royal Marines to asbestos during 2 exercises in Latvia in 2018 and 2019. 

The BBC has now been told that Canadian experts found loose asbestos in a Latvian base used by Royal Marines for training.

Asbestos 'found after removal' in Latvia army site

Asbestos has already been banned by more than 50 countries so it’s good to hear that finally, the US announces a ban on the only form of asbestos currently used or imported into the US. 

The US just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?

February 2024

Article

Environmental officers warn the public to be careful what goes in bins. 

A BBC article reports of an incident which “posed a health, safety and well-being risk to bin crews” when asbestos cement was found hidden in a garden waste bin, Grimsby.

Asbestos in garden bin caused risk to crew

Now this is worrying.

It is claimed the MoD breached the Human Rights Act by "knowingly" exposing 260 Royal Marines to asbestos during 2 exercises in Latvia in 2018 and 2019.

It’s also claimed that tests later found Chrysotile fibre.

Royal Marines to fight MoD in court in asbestos claim

We feel for the residents of South Ham whose community centre has been closed due to the discovery of asbestos and reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

Hampshire County Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council are now considering whether to refurbish or demolish the building.

Community centre at risk due to asbestos and RAAC

January 2024

Article

Asbestos: Your Duty has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive to improve understanding of what the legal duty to manage asbestos involves.

Keep people safe from future dangers of asbestos, regulator warns

The Health and Safety Executive will continue to carry out a programme of asbestos inspections in hospitals this year having begun the process in 2023.

HSE Announce Asbestos Inspections in Hospitals