New asbestos regulations could leave local authorities open to prosecution if precautionary measures are not put in place. That's the stark warning from Zurich Municipal.
The insurer's warning comes as it published research which found that only one in five organisations are ready for the new regulations. Research by Zurich Risk Services found that 83% of those surveyed do not have asbestos management plans in place.
Zurich Municipal Loss Control asbestos consultant, Gavin Chalmers said: "The dangers of asbestos are severe. Complying with the CAW Regulation will ensure that these dangers are minimised. Asbestos related diseases kill 4000 people a year in the UK alone, a figure which could rise to 10 000 deaths per year by 2024.
"The CAW Regulation is a step towards ensuring that the dangers of asbestos are controlled. The deadline to conform to the regulation is approaching. Only with a concerted effort will the public sector ensure that public buildings are safe against the risks of asbestos."
