Firms face asbestos inspections

Inspections are being carried out at businesses in Suffolk to ensure employees are not exposed to asbestos.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Environmental Health departments will carry out the checks from Tuesday.

It follows a letter to 1,000 companies in the county reminding them of their responsibilities to staff.

There are some 4,000 deaths per year from asbestos-related diseases and 25% of the victims have worked in building, maintenance or repair trades.

Firms are required to take reasonable steps to find any asbestos in premises and prepare and implement a plan to manage risks.

Mark Jordan, HSE inspector said: "The proportion of deaths from asbestos continues to increase across the county.

"The challenge for HSE enforcement officers is to raise awareness among businesses and promote the proper use of the sensible precautions that are needed to stem these deaths."