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Why Awareness of Asbestos Still Matters: Rundlewalker Supports Global Asbestos Awareness Week.

As Global Asbestos Awareness Week (1-7 April) begins, Rundlewalker Solicitors’ Accident & Injury Team is proud to support the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) call for action. Despite asbestos being banned in the UK in 1999, the risks have far from disappeared. Thousands of buildings across the country still contain asbestos‑containing materials (ACMs), and without proper management, the consequences can be life‑changing.

A Global Call to Stay Vigilant.
Global Asbestos Awareness Week shines a spotlight on the ongoing dangers of asbestos exposure. Although the substance has not been used in UK construction for more than 25 years, asbestos‑related diseases still claim around 5,000 lives each year. Conditions such as mesothelioma and asbestosis often take decades to develop, meaning exposure that occurred long ago can have devastating effects today.

In the UK, the HSE is urging building owners, landlords, employers and tradespeople to take their legal responsibilities seriously - and to make use of the practical support available to help them comply.

Where Asbestos May Still Be Found.
Any building constructed or refurbished before 2000 may contain asbestos. It was widely used between the 1950s and 1980s in a range of materials, including:
• Spray coatings
• Pipe lagging
• Insulating board
• Asbestos cement (roof sheets, wall panels, gutters)
• Floor tiles and coverings
• Textured decorative coatings

These materials can be present in factories, warehouses, offices, shops, hospitals, schools, places of worship, museums, libraries and residential premises. As buildings age, ACMs can deteriorate, increasing the risk of fibres being released. The law requires duty holders to identify, monitor and manage asbestos to keep people safe.

If records are incomplete - or if you suspect asbestos has not been properly documented - now is the time to act.

Protecting Workers in Construction and Maintenance.
Tradespeople and those working in building, maintenance and allied sectors face particular risk. Asbestos fibres are invisible; you cannot see, smell or feel them. Knowing what to look for, and what to do when you find it, is essential.

Workers and employers should ensure they understand:
• What asbestos‑containing materials look like
• Where they are commonly found
• How to avoid disturbing them
• What to do if asbestos is discovered
• The importance of asbestos awareness training

The HSE’s Work Right campaign provides clear guidance to help duty holders and workers stay safe.

Roger Henderson, Head of Accident & Personal Injury at Rundlewalker Solicitors, said:
"Global Asbestos Awareness Week is an important reminder that the dangers of asbestos have not gone away. We fully support the HSE’s call for action, and we urge duty holders and tradespeople to take their responsibilities seriously. Too many families continue to be affected by illnesses that could have been prevented. At Rundlewalker, we remain committed to supporting those diagnosed with asbestos related conditions and ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve."

Rundlewalker’s Commitment to Supporting Those Affected.
At Rundlewalker Solicitors, we understand the profound impact an asbestos‑related diagnosis can have - not only on the individual, but on their family. Our Accident & Injury Team has extensive experience in handling industrial disease claims, including mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos‑related conditions.

We provide sensitive, practical support throughout the claims process, ensuring clients and their families receive the compensation and recognition they deserve.

Standing Together for Safer Workplaces.
Rundlewalker is proud to support Global Asbestos Awareness Week and the HSE’s call for action. Raising awareness is essential - but so is ensuring that legal duties are met, risks are managed and those harmed by past exposure receive justice.

If you or a loved one has been affected by an asbestos‑related illness, our specialist team is here to help.

How We Can Help You. At Rundlewalker, we bring:
• Specialist industrial disease expertise within our Accident & Injury Team
• A personal, supportive approach through every step of the claim
• Confidential initial consultations to understand your situation
• Clear explanations of your legal options and likely timescales
• We aim to secure compensation that recognises not only your medical condition, but also the impact on your daily life and your future plans

Contact us today for a confidential discussion: There are several ways in which a personal injury claim can be funded, including a “No Win, No Fee” agreement (CFA), which we will discuss with you during your initial assessment. For immediate and compassionate advice, contact our Personal Injury Team who are ready to help you.

Roger Henderson - 01392 209218. Email: roger.henderson@rundlewalker.com

Let Rundlewalker provide the specialist legal support you deserve at this difficult time. 

Roger is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.

"I had a really positive experience with Rundlewalker. Roger was extremely knowledgeable and empathetic to my case. He kept me updated at every stage of the process and ensured I knew exactly what the next steps were. He was friendly and approachable and only ever a phone call away. I really appreciated his high level of professionalism, which all helped in achieving a successful outcome. Highly recommended." M.P.

 "We can't thank you, Roger, enough for all of your hard work during the process of the claim. You have been brilliant and kept us informed throughout which we both really appreciate, you have explained every step in a way that we could understand with ease, having had no experience in such a claim before.” Mrs N.