Legal Experts React To Reports Over ‘Loophole’

By Rob Dixon

Fresh concerns that asbestos safety in Scotland is being undermined by a loophole in regulations which means no proper controls are in place related to the demolition of industrial buildings need to be urgently reviewed by authorities in the country, legal experts have warned.

A report in the Sunday Express has raised concerns that although the council, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Health and Safety Executive have duties related to such work, no single entity is in control of such projects.

The issue has raised concerns that the problem has created gaps in procedures which may be impacting on safety, with campaigners talking to the newspaper citing an incident in 2002 when cars close to a demolition site in West Lothian were covered in asbestos dust during such work.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers represent people who have developed serious illnesses and conditions as a result of exposure to the material, helping them to gain answers and justice over the difficulties they and their families have had to endure.

Elaine Russell, a Partner and expert in such asbestos claims at the law firm’s Glasgow office, said: “We see cases across the UK when people have been exposed to asbestos through safety failings that could have been avoided, often leading them to go on to suffer devastating illness.

“The idea of a loophole or gaps in safety is clearly cause for very serious concern and we would urge the government and other authorities implicated to review the procedures and regulations in place, with the ultimate aim of ensuring that comprehensive measures are in use.

“The impact that asbestos exposure has on lives cannot be underestimated, so it is vital there is no delay in addressing the issues raised and providing the public with full assurances that demolition work related to old industrial buildings is always undertaken to the best possible – and safety – standard.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in relation to Asbestos Compensation