A report by the Asbestos Training and Consultancy Association has revealed that schools may not be effectively managing asbestos.

The study took a sample of 16 schools and found that none of them were fully complying with Health and Safety Executive guidelines.

The schools named in the report have all agreed to be inspected by the authorities, but the study leaves us with worrying questions about asbestos management in the rest of the UK’s schools.

Here at Irwin Mitchell we have seen a number of teachers, school staff and even pupils who have contracted mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos in schools.

Ultimately we would like to see all asbestos removed from schools, but we are realistic enough to know that this is a huge undertaking that will take time.

As a starting point we would like to see a full audit of asbestos in schools and risk assessments that would help provide a safe environment for pupils and teachers.