NEWS STORIES
Health & Safety: Protecting our teams from asbestos and work-related stress
Health & safety in construction goes far beyond simply wearing hard hats and high-vis clothing. Every day, construction workers face unseen risks like exposure to asbestos and the growing impact of work-related stress. These are long-standing issues within the industry, and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is actively addressing them through its Work Right campaign.
At Carman Contracting, we fully support this HSE initiative. As a business working in refurbishment, fit out and construction, we recognise that asbestos and mental health are real risks for our teams, so we take our responsibility to manage them seriously.
What is the HSE’s Work Right campaign?
The Work Right campaign is designed to raise awareness of key health and safety issues affecting workers in construction and other high-risk sectors. Its focus is simple but vital. To help workers and employers understand the common risks, know their responsibilities and take practical steps to prevent them.
The campaign prioritises asbestos exposure and work-related stress, as well as other hazards such as isocyanates and artificial stone. These risks are not always obvious on site but can have serious, long-term consequences.
Asbestos: A continuing risk in refurbishment work
Although banned in 1999, asbestos is still a major cause of work-related deaths in the UK and is common in older buildings we refurbish, including government sites. It may be found in insulation, ceiling or floor tiles, cement products, or pipe lagging.
Asbestos is often referred to as ‘the hidden killer,’ because that’s exactly what it is. When disturbed, asbestos fibres can be released into the air and, if inhaled, can cause serious diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Symptoms often don't develop until decades after exposure, making awareness and prevention critical.
To manage these risks, all of our workers must attend regular asbestos awareness training in addition to their standard health and safety qualifications, such as CSCS cards or IOSH training, providing multiple layers of protection for our teams.
For the majority of our contracts, if asbestos is present, it will have been identified in asbestos surveys and reports. However, we still need to make sure our teams are aware of the dangers and understand:
What asbestos is and why it’s dangerous
Where it’s most commonly found on construction projects
How to recognise potential asbestos-containing materials
What to do if asbestos is suspected or discovered.
This knowledge is critical in ensuring that work stops immediately, the area is made safe, and the correct procedures are followed.
It protects our workers, clients, building users and the wider public.
Mental health and work-related stress in construction
Physical hazards are well known, but mental health is one of the most serious challenges facing the construction industry. Long hours, tight deadlines, physically demanding work, and time away from home can all cause stress and poor mental wellbeing.
According to the latest HSE statistics, 964,000 workers experienced work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2024/25. It’s also estimated that around 73% of UK construction workers have been affected by mental illness at some point. These are statistics that cannot be ignored.
Mental health has always been central to employee wellbeing. We’re committed to tackling stigma, having open conversations and making our teams feel supported. As part of this commitment, one of our Project Managers, Gary Swaby, has undergone mental health in construction training. This has given him a better understanding of mental health issues, what can trigger them, and the practical steps that can be taken to support individuals on site and within our project teams.
By improving awareness and understanding at management level, we can spot issues earlier, respond effectively, and create a
healthier, more understanding working environment.
Protecting our most important assets
The HSE’s Work Right campaign reinforces the importance of getting health and safety right, every day, on every project, and offers useful resources and tools for employers and workers.
Our employees are our greatest asset. By supporting Work Right and investing in training and awareness, we give teams the knowledge,
support, and protection they need to go home safe and well.