Serious Asbestos Management Issues Uncovered

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News Summary

A review by One Housing has exposed serious lapses in health and safety practices regarding asbestos management, with over 800 instances of inaccurate asbestos risk data. The investigation highlighted severe issues in record-keeping and a lack of concern for resident wellbeing, prompting urgent calls for reforms in asbestos management across the UK housing sector. With significant health risks associated with asbestos exposure, including thousands of annual deaths, the need for proactive measures and increased regulatory oversight is becoming increasingly urgent.

Serious Asbestos Errors by Social Housing Provider Raise Alarm

A troubling review from One Housing, a prominent social housing provider, has revealed serious lapses in health and safety practices, particularly concerning asbestos management. This revelation follows a comprehensive investigation by the Housing Ombudsman, which uncovered over 800 instances of incorrect asbestos risk data within One Housing’s records.

The Asbestos Crisis in UK Housing

Asbestos, a material once hailed for its insulating properties, has a dark history. Widely used in the construction of buildings, boilers, pipes, roofing, and flooring tiles, it became notorious after its links to deadly diseases like mesothelioma came to light. Reports estimate that as many as 1.5 million homes in the UK might still harbor this hazardous material, particularly those constructed before the late 1980s. While untouched, asbestos poses minimal risk, damage or disturbance can release dangerous fibers into the air.

Maladministration and Record-Keeping Failures

The investigation into One Housing was prompted by a resident complaint linked to severe issues in their home, including a leak and a collapsed ceiling that necessitated repairs over a painful 14-month period. Alarmingly, it was found that One Housing lacked accurate records about asbestos presence and had failed to properly assess its condition. Furthermore, there was a blatant disregard for the family’s wellbeing, as the provider did not consider temporarily relocating them during repairs.

Data Inconsistencies and Management Issues

The review’s findings were shocking: over 800 incorrect entries on the asbestos register showed properties classified as no-risk despite possible asbestos presence. Inadequate knowledge and a disorganized information management system, highlighted by the decision to bring external services in-house, contributed significantly to these discrepancies. As a result of these findings, One Housing has implemented changes, notably in its record-keeping. New operational guidance documents have been established, paired with the recruitment of two administrative posts to ensure compliance and accuracy.

The Broader Impact Across UK Councils

This is not a standalone issue. The Regulator of Social Housing has issued regulatory judgments for several landlords, including Notting Hill Genesis, which suffered a governance downgrade due to serious management concerns. This revelation is part of a wider pattern, with various councils such as Southwark, Southampton, and West Northamptonshire receiving poor ratings, indicating substantial room for improvement.

Health Risks and Mesothelioma Epidemic

With over 5,000 annual deaths linked to asbestos exposure in the UK, it is clear that the public health implications are dire. Asbestos remains the number one occupational killer in the country, affecting a growing number of individuals, including women. Between 210,000 and 400,000 buildings in the UK are estimated to contain asbestos, leaving a ticking time bomb that is often ignored until it is too late.

Need for Proactive Measures

The current UK regulations only mandate the removal of asbestos if it is damaged, which has led to concerns about the potential hazards in buildings that may not have been assessed or may have undetected damage. There are calls for a national action plan focusing on timely asbestos removal from public buildings, as the risks associated with asbestos exposure are significantly higher than previously acknowledged.

Governmental Neglect and Activism

Criticism has mounted regarding the government’s lack of urgency in addressing the asbestos crisis, despite the well-documented health risks leading to preventable diseases. Between 2010 and 2020, the Health and Safety Executive faced 46% funding cuts, severely limiting its ability to enforce safety regulations adequately. Activists and professionals are increasingly rallying for immediate action to remove asbestos from vulnerable spaces such as schools and social housing, reflecting a growing realization that urgent action is necessary to protect public health.