Taking risks with asbestos: What influences the behaviour of maintenance workers?

Asbestos was widely used in building or insulation materials until 1999, and it is estimated that many tonnes are still present in Great Britain. When disturbed or damaged this material can release fibres that, when breathed in, can lead to a number of serious diseases. Around 4,000 people in Great Britain die every year from these diseases, making asbestos the single greatest cause of work-related fatalities. The greater the level of exposure to asbestos fibres, the greater is the risk of developing an asbestos related disease (ARD). There is a long delay between the very first exposure to asbestos and the onset of diseases (between 15 and 60 years). The group of workers most at risk of developing ARDs at the present time includes those who worked on buildings built or refurbished from the 1950s to the 1970s, in a range of construction related trades such as plumbing and carpentry).
The purpose of this research was to examine how attitudes, awareness, knowledge and behaviour towards or around asbestos are shaped. The results are also intended to draw conclusions for future work.