Updated 20/6/2023

Asbestos present in schools across Scotland

Asbestos is not a thing of the past because the diseases it causes very much impact our present and future.

It is a substance known to affect tradespeople like joiners, plumbers, electricians or heating engineers. But sadly there has been increasing evidence that suggests people are being exposed to asbestos during their school years.

It is already commonly regarded that just a single incident of asbestos exposure creates a risk of developing a condition like pleural plaques, lung cancer or mesothelioma in later life. The Health & Safety Executive ha data that shows around 5,000 people die in the UK every year as a result of asbestos disease – and half of these deaths are linked to mesothelioma. 

So being exposed for a long period of time – such as being present in a building for several years like a schoolchild or school staff member – is a real cause for concern.

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Why was asbestos used in schools?

In the 1900s asbestos was widely used across Scotland in all manner of construction projects from shipbuilding to hospitals to town halls and schools. It was used so much because it has properties that make it great for fireproofing and insulation.

Local authorities maintain the risks posed by asbestos are minimal and strict asbestos management plans are in place. These plans show the location of all asbestos and manage asbestos, for example through regular checks.

However, in some local authorities, the asbestos management plans appear to be less stringent.

In August 2014, approximately 5 days before the end of the school summer holidays, workmen in one secondary school in Glasgow’s South Side discovered white and brown asbestos whilst carrying out roof repairs unwittingly exposing themselves to asbestos.

In 2016, the demolition and rebuilding of a primary school was delayed after contractors found asbestos in the foundations.

In 2017 nearly 160 schools across Fife were found to have asbestos.

In September 2018 it was revealed that there were around 150 schools and nurseries in Glasgow that contained asbestos.

And in January 2023 it emerged there were more than 40 schools and nurseries across Renfrewshire that contained the deadly material.

Why should we take action?

We believe that asbestos at any location is a risk that needs to be addressed so it is vital to remove asbestos from schools across Scotland to remove the risk altogether.

Children have been found to be more vulnerable to asbestos exposure than adults. Therefore, the risk of low levels of exposure at school can be higher for children (Committee on Carcinogenicity, June 2013 Report).

Even though it may be low levels of asbestos that people are exposed to at work, numerous teaching staff and people working across the school such as secretaries, school cleaners and cooks have died from an asbestos-related disease.

There is greater difficulty in proving that asbestos-related disease is caused by low levels of exposure and victims need justice.

What is the current position in Scotland regarding asbestos in schools?

It is the moral duty of employers and local authorities to protect staff, pupils and members of the public from the risks of asbestos.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 states it is the duty of the duty holder to manage the risks from asbestos in schools, though there is no specific requirement for duty holders to remove asbestos from schools.

The Scottish Government state that they are “following current HSE advice and recommendations by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Occupational Safety and Health: phased removal is key.”

What are the next steps?

Phased asbestos removal programme - It is a matter of great importance that asbestos is removed from schools across Scotland and the UK. The Scottish Government must take matters into their own hands; with a phased asbestos removal programme in Schools and other premises, e.g. hospitals and universities.

Extend Mesothelioma Payment Scheme – to include other types of asbestos-related conditions; not just mesothelioma. This will provide people who were exposed to asbestos, and their dependents, with compensation when they are unable to bring a claim against the employers’ insurers.

The scheme could also be extended to include people unable to pinpoint the exact source of their exposure or who can pinpoint exposure but cannot establish that the levels of exposure were significant enough to be deemed negligent.

Legal advice you can rely on

We believe no one should be exposed to unnecessary risk when they are simply doing their job, or going to school. Where employers fall short of providing fair health and safety, we are passionate about helping people secure justice and compensation.

If you, or someone you know, have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our team can advise you on what you are entitled to and help you access the compensation you deserve.

Please call us on 0333 200 5925 or fill in our short enquiry form and someone will be in touch.

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