The asbestos removal industry has been urged to address safety concerns raised by female workers.
- Female analysts face significant risks, including sexual assault, due to inadequate safety measures in decontamination units.
- A pivotal campaign led by the Female Analyst Working Group seeks mandatory upgrades to site facilities.
- While progress is being made, challenges with HSE regulations remain.
- Some manufacturers are working on innovative designs to enhance analyst safety.
The asbestos removal industry has come under scrutiny for its inadequate protection of female workers against predatory behaviour. Analysts, who are responsible for independently verifying the proper removal of asbestos, have long warned about the risks they endure due to current industry and regulatory shortcomings.
The work of asbestos analysts often necessitates entering decontamination units (DCUs) to shower or change clothes. A critical flaw in the standard design of these units is that they can be unlocked externally using a keypad, thereby compromising the safety of those within. This has contributed to instances of sexual abuse, as highlighted by an experienced female analyst recounting her harrowing experiences of being silenced by those in positions of power.
In response, the Female Analyst Working Group was established in 2022. This group’s primary aim is to campaign for asbestos removal contractors to enhance site safety by upgrading DCUs to ensure they can be locked from the inside. They are also advocating for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to implement policy changes that would allow regular clothing to be worn beneath protective overalls more frequently.
Progress has been observed, with three decontamination unit manufacturers engaging in dialogue with the Working Group and developing prototypes that address these safety concerns. Colette Willoughby, chair of the Female Analyst Working Group, expressed both optimism and urgency, stating that while the pace of change has been slower than desired, it is encouraging to see manufacturers begin to acknowledge and address these significant safety risks.
Despite these advances, challenges persist. The HSE has acknowledged the issues but remains firm in its stance not to alter its prevailing safety regulations. However, the HSE is participating with the Working Group to develop guidelines aimed at improving the safety of female analysts.
The ongoing efforts of the Female Analyst Working Group highlight the urgent need for industry reform to ensure safety for female analysts.
