Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 20
20
HSE should commit to investing more in sustained campaigning work across a range of media,...
Conclusion
HSE should commit to investing more in sustained campaigning work across a range of media, using multiple interventions and synchronising with the development of its wider strategy for asbestos management. It should employ robust evaluation methods to test what messages and which methods achieve the greatest impact on the behaviours of dutyholders and tradespeople. (Paragraph 102) Regulating the asbestos industry
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
HSE strives to ensure that legal compliance and safety is enabled through the provision of clear and accessible guidance. As part of this, HSE will always look to improve how they engage and welcomes any ideas on how they can improve their reach – particularly among duty holders who may have a low awareness of the risks associated with asbestos. The HSE website contains a comprehensive offer of guidance on asbestos including free advice for analysts, businesses, asbestos surveyors, tradespeople, contractors, non- domestic building owners and operators, employees and members of the public. The key piece of guidance underpinning the regulations is the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L143 ‘Managing and working with Asbestos’. HSE’s media team also amplify every prosecution related to asbestos via multiple channels to act as a deterrent to non-compliant business with the aim of educating dutyholders on the consequences of poor risk management. HSE has completed a number of campaigns targeting the risk from work with asbestos over the years, including ‘Hidden Killer’ and ‘Don’t take a chance’, and continues to raise awareness of respiratory risks including asbestos at work on social media throughout the year. All campaigns are measured for impact on reported behaviour change so that messages can be adapted and tailored to maximise effect. As part of HSE’s planned work to support the UK’s net zero agenda, they will look at communications activity around asbestos to ensure that opportunities to raise awareness with trades people most at risk of exposure, are maximised, prior to beginning any refurbishment or retrofitting work. HSE will also continue to look to partners, such as the Asbestos Network, the Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) and those in charge of public buildings, to help amplify their reach and impact.