Workplace Report February 2012

Health & safety news

Asbestos in schools is poorly maintained

The problem of asbestos in British schools has been highlighted by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health.

A report by the cross-party group has found that three-quarters of British state schools contain asbestos. The group noted that asbestos within schools is poorly maintained and is calling for urgent remedial action.

The group has made recommendations about how to prevent more people being exposed to the deadly fibre. Jim Sheridan MP, chair of the All-Party Group, said “We need both far greater awareness of the risks that this material poses and a programme for its phased removal.”