What Is Asbestos and Why It Remains a Modern Workplace Hazard
In this article by Isabel Limrick, she discusses What Is Asbestos and Why It Remains a Modern Workplace Hazard .
Most organisations do not believe they have an asbestos risk.
Not because it is not there, but because it is not visible in day-to-day operations.
And that is exactly what makes it dangerous.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction due to its strength, durability, resistance to heat, low cost and plentiful supply.
Although its use is now banned or heavily restricted, asbestos remains present in many buildings still in use today, particularly those constructed or refurbished before the early 2000s.
It can typically be found in:
- Insulation and pipe lagging
- Ceiling voids and service ducts
- Floor tiles and adhesives
- Roofing materials and wall panels
In many cases, it is hidden within the structure of a building, out of sight and therefore out of mind.
Why Asbestos Is Still a Risk
Asbestos is not inherently dangerous when left undisturbed and in good condition.
The risk arises when materials are interfered with.
Routine activities such as maintenance, drilling, demolition, refurbishment, or installation works can release microscopic fibres into the air. These fibres are invisible, odourless, and once inhaled, can remain in the lungs for decades.
Over time, exposure can lead to serious illnesses, including:
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
One of the most challenging aspects of asbestos risk is the delay between exposure and illness. Symptoms may not appear for 20 to 40 years.
This often leads to a false sense of security in the present.
For a practical overview of how asbestos risks arise and how they should be managed, the Health and Safety Authority provides clear guidance in its asbestos information hub.
Where the Risk Is Often Missed
There is a common assumption that asbestos risk is primarily associated with large construction or demolition projects.
In reality, it is far more likely to arise during routine work.
- A contractor accessing a ceiling void
- A maintenance team carrying out minor repairs
- Installation of new services or equipment
- Reactive works under time pressure
These activities are rarely viewed as high risk, which is why asbestos can be unintentionally disturbed.
The Health and Safety Authority highlights that even minor works can create exposure risks if asbestos-containing materials are not properly identified and controlled: Here
The Gap Between Knowing and Managing
Most organisations are aware that asbestos exists.
Many will have surveys, registers, or reports in place.
However, the presence of information does not always translate into effective control.
Common gaps include:
- Registers that are not referenced before work begins
- Surveys that do not reflect current site conditions
- Information that does not reach contractors or frontline teams
- Assumptions that materials are safe without confirmation
These are not failures of intent.
They are failures of visibility, communication, and integration into everyday operations.
Guidance from the Health and Safety Authority emphasises the importance of maintaining accurate asbestos records and ensuring they are actively used to inform work planning and risk assessments.
What Effective Management Looks Like
Managing asbestos is not about having more documentation.
It is about ensuring that the right information is available, understood, and used at the right time.
In practice, this means:
- Clear identification of asbestos-containing materials through appropriate surveys
- Accessible information that can be easily understood by those carrying out work
- Integration into planning, particularly for maintenance and contractor activities
- Communication before work begins, not after
- Ongoing review as buildings and operations evolve
Asbestos becomes a risk when it is disconnected from operational decision-making.
Legal Responsibility
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and associated regulations, organisations have a duty to identify hazards and manage risks appropriately.
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure.
The Health and Safety Authority outlines specific employer responsibilities under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations, including risk assessment, control measures, and training requirements.
Where asbestos-containing materials are present, they must be identified, assessed, and controlled to prevent exposure to employees, contractors, and others.
Compliance is not just about having records in place.
It is about demonstrating that risks are understood and actively managed.
A Practical Perspective
In practice, asbestos risk is rarely about a lack of awareness.
It is about how that awareness translates into action.
From a consultancy perspective, the most effective organisations are those that treat asbestos as a live operational risk, rather than a static compliance requirement.
They ensure that:
- Information is used, not just stored
- Decisions are based on verified data
- Communication is consistent across all levels of the organisation
Asbestos is not a problem of the past.
It is a present-day risk that exists quietly within many workplaces.
The difference is not whether it is there.
It is whether it is understood, visible, and controlled.
Because when asbestos is overlooked, the consequences may not be immediate.
But they are long-term, serious, and entirely preventable.
How Your Organisation Can Strengthen Your Approach
For organisations seeking to improve their control over asbestos risk, a structured review of current arrangements is often the most effective starting point.
This typically includes:
- Reviewing existing surveys and registers for accuracy and relevance
- Assessing how asbestos information is communicated across teams
- Ensuring alignment between planned works and known risks
- Providing appropriate awareness training for those at risk
Where additional support is required, working with experienced consultants can help bridge the gap between compliance and practical control.
If you would like to review your current approach to asbestos risk, our team can help. Contact us at [email protected] or call 01 905 8899 (Dublin) or 021 206 6006 (Cork).
Alternatively, learn more about What Is Asbestos and Why It Remains a Modern Workplace Hazard & EHS Internationals Asbestos services : here
