Workers may be exposed to asbestos. Prove your workplace is safe.
Workers in older buildings, industrial facilities, and construction sites face potential asbestos exposure during routine maintenance, repair, and renovation activities. As an employer or safety professional, you must be able to demonstrate that exposure is controlled.
Air monitoring (fibre counting) measures the concentration of asbestos fibres in the workplace atmosphere. This data, combined with a documented risk assessment, is your evidence of compliance and your defence in case of future claims.
Exposure monitoring must be performed by accredited professionals using approved methods, and results must be documented and retained for the legally required period, typically 40 years due to the latency period of asbestos-related diseases.
The Problem
Shipyard workers and maritime maintenance crews face exceptionally high asbestos exposure risk. Ships built before 2000 used asbestos extensively in engine rooms, boiler rooms, pipe insulation, bulkhead linings, brake pads, and gaskets. Working in confined ship spaces concentrates airborne fibres.
Ship repair, refitting, and breaking operations are among the highest-risk asbestos activities in any industry. Workers must have documented exposure assessments, respiratory protection programmes, and medical surveillance tailored to the maritime environment.
What You Need
Frequently Asked Questions
Will 30 minutes of asbestos exposure hurt you?
Brief exposure to asbestos is unlikely to cause disease, as asbestos-related conditions typically result from prolonged or repeated exposure over months or years. However, there is no proven safe threshold, so any suspected exposure should be documented and medical advice sought if symptoms develop.
Do shipyards still use asbestos?
Modern shipyards do not use asbestos in new construction. However, workers repairing, refitting, or demolishing older vessels frequently encounter asbestos insulation, gaskets, and thermal materials.
What is the average payout for asbestos exposure?
Compensation for asbestos-related diseases varies widely by jurisdiction, condition, and severity. Mesothelioma claims typically range from €75,000 to €400,000 (£65,000-£350,000), while asbestosis claims may range from €25,000 to €120,000. Amounts depend on national compensation schemes and court precedents.
What happens if an employee is exposed to asbestos?
The employer must immediately stop work, isolate the affected area, and report the exposure to the HSE under RIDDOR. Exposed workers should be decontaminated, given medical advice, and have the incident recorded on their health surveillance record.
Are shipyard workers exposed to asbestos?
Shipyard workers, particularly those involved in repair and demolition of older vessels, face significant asbestos exposure risks. Strict workplace monitoring and PPE requirements apply under HSE regulations.
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