Craftmanship and self-regulation in the asbestos sector – Ascert

Setting and problem
In 2014 the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment in the Netherlands has started a campaign to create more awareness about hazardous substances in workplaces. The main focus was to make companies self-regulating when working with hazardous substances, giving companies center stage and activating them to become self-sufficient in dealing with this matter. For that reason, Ascert initiated a project to collaborated with this campaign in the asbestos sector, called“Craftmanship and Self-Regulation”.In this campaign, the main focus is to make industries and companies working with asbestos self-regulatory. Asbestos fibers are known to cause serious health hazards in humans (e.g. lung cancer), yet many employees work with it on a daily basis.

Solution
To improve the involvement, participation, and input from employees in companies working with asbestos, Ascert founded a board of experts in asbestos removal. This board started a project that focuses on improving the information employees get about the rules and regulations regarding asbestos. Discussing solutions and future practices will eventually result in more understanding and implementation in companies.

Results
According to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment the awareness of a safe and healthy workplace in industries working with asbestos has increased. Also, with the founding of the board of experts, employees feel they are more familiar with the rules and regulations about asbestos. The board of experts is gaining independence as a stakeholder in this field. Thanks to work of the board of experts, positive developments surrounding asbestos receive attention in the news too.