Asbestos Awareness: Why Training Matters More Than Ever

The dangers of asbestos on building sites remain thoroughly documented, yet cases still show how poor control of asbestos can devastate staff, businesses, and communities.

It is only now that the Court of Session instructed a groundworks manager over £500,000 in compensation after a company tried to silence his fears about asbestos on housebuilding sitesn(Scottish Legal News).

The Case That Shook the Industry

Martin McGowan, a subcontractor with tens of workers, complained in 2016 over the handling of asbestos on building sites. He claimed that:

• Workers were made to remove asbestos-ridden buildings without proper PPE.
• The contaminated asbestos material was reused as backfill on housing developments.
• Residents were not adequately told the risks.

When Mr McGowan complained, the company was issued a judicial order to prevent him from speaking out about these issues in public. The five-year gagging order cost his family life, livelihood, and reputation dearly. Eventually, the authorities prosecuted the developer and withdrew the order.

The court recognised injury caused by the unjustified interdict and awarded McGowan £558,033 for distress, lost earnings, and reputational damage (Scottish Legal News).

What This Means for Construction

This case identifies three important realities:

• Asbestos persists – even years, even decades, after it has been banned.
• Inadequate handling puts lives at risk – it harms workers, families, and neighbors.
• Accountability saves lives and money – neglecting safety issues incurs expensive costs.

Asbestos exposure may result in life-threatening conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. For this reason, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) continues to prosecute employers who do not adhere to correct safety protocols.

How Training Protects Workers and Businesses

The initial step to guarding workers is awareness. Most construction workers are exposed to asbestos at some point in their working life, sometimes unknowingly. That is why the Safe2Site Online CSCS Green Card Course—endorsed by CSCS, CITB, and ECS—incorporates asbestos awareness as a principal element.

With the completion of the course, workers can:

• Identify asbestos-containing materials at speed on site.
• Work with suspected asbestos safely and be aware of what not to do.
• Be aware of legal obligations for both employers and employees.
• Act assertively by stopping work and speaking up safely.

Safe2Site: Training That Saves Lives

Asbestos awareness is important to workers and contractors alike. Safe2Site’s online CSCS Green Card training makes it easy, affordable, and 100% accredited.

• 100% online – at your own pace.
• Accepted across the UK construction industry.
• Trains on asbestos and other fundamental safety topics.

In an industry where silence can cost millions—and lives—the right training keeps workers safe, knowledgeable, and protected.

The dangers of asbestos in construction are well documented, yet still come to light in cases that demonstrate just how devastating poor management of asbestos can be for workers, businesses, and entire communities.

Purchase your Safe2Site course for CSCS Green Card and infuse asbestos awareness into your site safety culture.

What This Means for Construction

The case is a sad reminder of three truths:

• Asbestos is still present – although banned, it is still in hundreds of thousands of existing older buildings and developments.
• Poor handling can cost lives – not just workers, but families and residents alike can be put at risk.
• Responsibility matters – downplaying issues or overlooking the necessity of staff training is a costly mistake.

Exposure to asbestos has also been proven to result in life-threatening diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also continues to prosecute employers who fail to observe the proper safety protocols.

In a sector where silence can cost millions—and human cost is unthinkable—effective training equates to staff safe, well-versed, and protected.

Get your CSCS Green Card online today with Safe2Site and build asbestos awareness into your site safety culture.

Start the Safe2Site Online CSCS Green Card Course