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HSE Consultation Signals Stricter Asbestos Rules for UK Businesses

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a major consultation on proposed changes to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, prompting warnings that UK businesses may soon face tighter compliance requirements and increased liability risks.

According to law firm Clarke Willmott, the consultation signals the potential for tougher expectations around asbestos management. The HSE is seeking feedback on three key proposals aimed at improving safety standards and strengthening protections for workers and building occupants.

Three Proposed Changes to Asbestos Regulations

The consultation focuses on gathering views on reforms in three key areas:

Improving independence in the four-stage clearance process
Raising the standard and accuracy of asbestos surveys
Providing clearer guidance on asbestos management duties

The changes are designed to reduce exposure risks and ensure more consistent compliance. With HSE estimating that around 5,000 people die each year from asbestos-related diseases, the regulator says improvements are essential for protecting both workers and the public.

Bridget Sanger of Clarke Willmott warned that while no legal changes have yet been implemented, the direction of travel is clear. She said: “While these proposals are not yet law, they indicate that compliance expectations may rise in the future. Businesses should take this consultation seriously and consider how the changes could affect their operations. It’s also a chance to think about practical challenges, influence guidance, and ensure that asbestos management processes are robust.”

Sanger urged firms to review internal procedures sooner rather than later: “Duty holders should review their asbestos management procedures, ensuring that surveys are up to date, clearance processes are independent and staff understand their responsibilities. It’s also important to clarify what counts as notifiable non-licensed work to avoid mistakes. Acting now can reduce the risk of fines, prosecution, or reputational damage, while ensuring a commitment to keeping people safe.”

Asbestos Still a Serious Risk in the UK

Despite asbestos being banned in the UK since 1999, it remains widespread in buildings constructed or refurbished before the ban.

New research published last month by High Speed Training highlights that the risks are far from historical. The training provider found that a significant number of employers and workers do not treat asbestos with the seriousness required.

According to the findings:

26% of tradespeople who encountered asbestos did not follow safe removal guidelines
Another 26% said their employers instructed them to ignore those guidelines
35% did not believe asbestos is hazardous
36% viewed it as merely a “problem of the past”

Dr Richard Anderson, head of learning and development at High Speed Training, said the research underscores a major gap in awareness and compliance.

He said: “Whilst asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999, it is still present in many buildings in the UK – with some reports stating it’s present in 1.5 million – and it can take as long as 30 years or more for symptoms of related diseases to appear, which really indicates the need for better awareness for tradespeople, their families, and the general public.

“Asbestos removal regulations are in place to make sure that the risk of exposure to harmful fibres is limited, and it’s imperative that guidelines are followed by a trained professional. It is never something that you should attempt to do yourself, whether you are a tradesperson or a member of the general public. There can be serious risks to your health if asbestos is disturbed and fibres are released into the air.”

The consultation provides an important opportunity for organisations to influence the future regulatory landscape while assessing their current level of compliance.

With the expected increase in enforcement and the ongoing risks highlighted by recent research, businesses that proactively strengthen their asbestos management procedures will be better positioned to meet rising standards and protect their workforce.

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Ambitious plan for 4,000 new homes at Earls Court

London’s housing market is set for a significant boost with the announcement of an ambitious plan to build 4,000 new homes at Earls Court. This major development, spearheaded by the Earls Court Development Company (ECDC), will transform a significant portion of West London into a thriving new residential and commercial hub. In this article, we explore the role of the ECDC, the developers involved, and what the project entails, including the removal of existing structures to make way for this exciting new neighbourhood.

Earls Court redevelopment proposal — Image: Delancey

The ECDC is at the heart of this regeneration project and was established specifically to manage and oversee the transformation of the 40-acre Earls Court site, which is one of the largest development areas in central London. Their mission is to deliver a world-class development that reflects the history and character of the area while providing much-needed housing, green spaces, and amenities for the local community.

ECDC is committed to working closely with local authorities, residents, and stakeholders to ensure that the project aligns with the needs and aspirations of the community. Through public consultations and community engagement, they have shaped a plan that not only addresses housing shortages but also improves the overall quality of life in the area.

The developer behind this massive regeneration project is Delancey, a real estate investment firm known for its large-scale urban development projects. Delancey, through the ECDC, brings extensive experience and a strong vision for how the new Earls Court should take shape.

In addition to providing 4,000 new homes, the development is set to offer a mix of retail, office spaces, cultural venues, and public parks. These elements are designed to create a vibrant, sustainable neighbourhood that blends residential living with commercial and recreational facilities. A key part of Delancey’s strategy is creating homes that cater to a variety of residents, from young professionals to families, while also ensuring that affordable housing is a significant part of the mix.

Before the new homes and facilities can be constructed, the site will require extensive preparation. The area in question is the former home of the famous Earls Court Exhibition Centre, a renowned venue for concerts, trade shows, and exhibitions until its closure in 2014. The Exhibition Centre, once a landmark of the area, was partially demolished, but much of the remaining infrastructure still needs to be cleared before construction can begin.

Table Park at the heart of Earls Court proposals

This includes the removal of old foundations, utilities, and other remnants of the Exhibition Centre. Additionally, several smaller commercial buildings and undeveloped spaces will be repurposed to make way for the new development. As part of the project’s sustainability objectives, there is a strong emphasis on recycling and reusing materials from the existing structures where possible, reducing waste and lowering the environmental impact of the demolition phase.

Once completed, the Earls Court development will not only deliver 4,000 new homes but will also create new public spaces and improve infrastructure in the area. Key features of the development include:

A Variety of Housing Options: From affordable housing units to high-end apartments, the development aims to cater to a broad demographic, making Earls Court an inclusive, diverse community.
Public Parks and Green Spaces: A significant portion of the project is dedicated to green spaces, providing residents with much-needed recreational areas. This will enhance the overall quality of life and create a more liveable urban environment.
Retail and Commercial Spaces: New shops, restaurants, and office spaces will provide jobs and amenities for residents and the wider community, supporting local economic growth.
Cultural and Social Spaces: In keeping with the spirit of Earls Court’s historic legacy as a cultural hub, the development will include venues for arts, entertainment, and community events, fostering a sense of community and cultural vibrancy.
Sustainable Design: With sustainability at the forefront of modern development, the project will incorporate environmentally friendly practices in construction, energy use, and transport. The goal is to create a green, future-proof neighbourhood that aligns with London’s long-term climate goals.

The plan for 4,000 new homes at Earls Court is a transformative project for both the local area and London as a whole. Led by the Earls Court Development Company and Delancey, this ambitious regeneration will breathe new life into one of the city’s most famous districts, providing much-needed housing, public spaces, and commercial opportunities.

With the removal of the old Earls Court Exhibition Centre and careful planning, the development is poised to create a vibrant, sustainable community that reflects the needs of 21st-century London.

Demolition Public Works Contract

The investigation into the Didcot Power station demolition disaster enters its ninth year

As the investigation into the Didcot Power Station demolition disaster approaches its ninth year, the pain and frustration of the affected families continue to intensify. The catastrophic incident, which occurred on February 23, 2016, during the demolition of the decommissioned power station in Oxfordshire, England, resulted in the loss of lives and left a lasting scar on the community.

The Didcot Power Station demolition was a major undertaking aimed at dismantling the iconic cooling towers that had dominated the skyline for decades. However, tragedy struck when a section of the boiler house collapsed prematurely, trapping workers beneath the rubble. Four workers lost their lives in the incident, and several others suffered injuries.

Investigation Challenges:

The aftermath of the disaster saw an immediate call for a thorough investigation to determine the causes and hold accountable those responsible. However, the complexity of the incident, coupled with legal and logistical challenges, has led to a prolonged and painstaking inquiry.

The investigation, conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other relevant authorities, has faced numerous hurdles. Technical intricacies, legal disputes, and the involvement of multiple stakeholders have contributed to the slow progress. The complexities in understanding the sequence of events leading to the collapse have further prolonged the inquiry.

Relatives’ Anguish:

As the investigation enters its ninth year, the anguish of the relatives of those killed in the Didcot Power Station disaster has become more palpable. The prolonged wait for answers, accountability, and closure has taken a toll on the emotional well-being of the affected families.

The uncertainty surrounding the investigation has left the families in a state of limbo, unable to find solace or move forward. The pain of losing a loved one is already profound, but the prolonged and inconclusive investigation exacerbates their grief. Many have expressed frustration and a sense of abandonment as they grapple with the protracted legal processes.

Community Impact:

The Didcot Power Station disaster not only impacted the families directly affected but also had a ripple effect on the local community. The incident raised concerns about the safety of demolition practices and the need for stringent regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Community members, once proud of the iconic power station that symbolised the region’s industrial heritage, now associate it with the devastating collapse and the ensuing years of investigation. The incident has sparked conversations about the balance between progress and safety, prompting a re-evaluation of demolition procedures across the country.

Conclusion:

As the Didcot Power Station demolition disaster investigation continues into its ninth year, the need for timely resolution and closure becomes increasingly urgent. The affected families deserve answers, accountability, and the opportunity to heal. The broader community also looks to this investigation to set a precedent for ensuring the safety of such large-scale demolitions in the future.

The authorities must prioritise transparency and efficiency to bring this prolonged investigation to a conclusion that serves justice and provides a sense of closure for the grieving families and the community at large. Only then can the painful chapter of the Didcot Power Station disaster truly be put to rest, allowing for lessons learned and a safer future in the realm of industrial demolitions.

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Demolition

HSE Consultation Signals Stricter Asbestos Rules for UK Businesses

Ambitious plan for 4,000 new homes at Earls Court

The investigation into the Didcot Power station demolition disaster enters its ninth year

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