Earlier this month, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a public consultation on proposals to strengthen the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, aiming to further protect workers and building users from exposure to asbestos.

The consultation, which opened on 10 November 2025, is seeking stakeholder views on three key proposals to improve asbestos management and safety practices across Great Britain.

 

Key Proposals

The HSE is consulting on the following regulatory and non-regulatory measures:

  • Regulatory proposals

  1. 1. To amend the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and associated guidance to ensure the independence and impartiality of roles in the four-stage clearance process to minimise the risk of exposure from asbestos to workers and building users after the removal of asbestos

 

  • Non-regulatory proposals

  1. To drive up the standard of asbestos surveys by improving guidance and using other interventions to ensure dutyholders understand the critical role of an asbestos survey in managing asbestos risk; and are equipped to commission a quality survey from a competent asbestos surveyor or organisation

 

  1. To improve guidance and use other interventions to clarify the type of work that constitutes work with asbestos known as Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW)

 

Source: HSE Legislative and guidance proposals for the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

 

Importance of Tighter Asbestos Regulations

Despite asbestos being banned in the UK since 1999, around 5,000 people die every year from asbestos-related diseases. The substance remains the largest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, with related illnesses typically taking decades to develop after initial exposure.

James Burrell, Partner and Industrial Disease specialist at Bridge McFarland LLP, commented: “We welcome these proposed regulatory changes and hope more can be done to reduce future asbestos exposure. Our team continues to see clients who were exposed to asbestos decades ago, now facing life-changing diagnoses. These proposals for stronger regulations are a positive step forward and essential to protect today’s workers, but sadly they cannot undo the damage already caused to thousands of people across the UK.”

 

Have Your Say

The consultation runs until 9 January 2026. The full consultation document is available on the HSE website.

 

Recent Case Study – Exposure to Asbestos While Working at Immingham Docks

Bridge McFarland LLP’s industrial disease specialists have successfully secured £107,500 damages for a retired maintenance fitter who was diagnosed with asbestosis in May 2024. Our client was employed by the company, which produced chemicals and fertilisers and has settled the claim, between 1969 and 1993, working at Immingham Docks. During his employment, our client was exposed to very high levels of asbestos. His work required him to regularly remove old asbestos from pipework to carry out repairs, often working in a dusty atmosphere with very poor ventilation. He was also not provided with adequate breathing protection. Read more about this case and how we helped: Bridge McFarland Secures £107,500 Damages for Retired Maintenance Fitter Diagnosed with Asbestosis.

 

Asbestos-Related Disease Claims

Asbestos Awareness is dedicated to sharing vital information and highlighting the consequences of asbestos exposure. Our specialist industrial diseases team also has extensive experience in various asbestos-related disease claims, including those concerning:

 

Although, unfortunately, we cannot reverse the devastating consequences of asbestos-related disease, we can support you and your loved ones in tackling the various challenges that such diagnoses bring.

There are strict time constraints associated with claiming compensation for asbestos-related diseases, so ensuring that you seek the appropriate advice promptly is vital. Please call 01482 320 620 or email  enquiries@bmcf.co.uk to speak to our Hull-based solicitors today.

https://www.asbestosawareness.org.uk/ is owned and managed by Bridge McFarland LLP, a UK-based law firm with a leading personal injury department dedicated to supporting clients in claiming compensation owed as a result of an asbestos-related disease diagnosis.

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