Campaigners have reported that the asbestos removal industry is finally making strides in safeguarding female workers from predatory behaviour.
Asbestos analysts, responsible for independently ensuring that asbestos has been correctly removed from buildings, have long warned that industry and regulatory policies expose them to the risk of sexual assault.
Their duties often require them to enter decontamination units to shower or change out of their overalls and back into their regular clothes. Standard decontamination units (DCUs) can be unlocked from the outside using a keypad, making unauthorised access easy.
One seasoned analyst recounted her early career experiences: “I was sexually abused and raped multiple times but felt powerless to speak out because he repeatedly told me, ‘Nobody’s going to believe you. You’re 23/24 years old, I’m a middle-aged man. I’m well respected, you were just asking for it.’”
The Female Analyst Working Group was established in 2022 to advocate for asbestos removal contractors to enhance the security of decontamination units on sites, ensuring they can be locked from the inside.
The group is also urging the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to mandate these upgrades and to permit regular clothing to be worn under overalls more frequently.
In recent weeks, three DCU manufacturers have engaged with the group to discuss redesigning their units. One manufacturer is developing a prototype that can be locked from the inside.
Colette Willoughby, chair of the Female Analyst Working Group and the National Organisation of Asbestos Consultants, stated: “Although progress in some areas has been slow, it is encouraging to see several equipment manufacturers starting to address the issue.
“Some decontamination unit manufacturers are now recognising the serious risks female analysts face. As a result, the safety of individuals while showering and changing is now being addressed.”
HSE principal specialist inspector Sam Lord commented that the agency “acknowledges the concerns raised but does not plan to amend its current safety regulations.
“We have a representative on the Female Analyst Working Group and are collaborating with them on guidelines for female analysts in this area.”
