Weekly Compliance Update: New Asbestos Rules and Recent Prosecution Trends
Hello everyone, Mark here from Livius Training. It has been a busy couple of weeks in the world of health and safety, and I wanted to cut through the noise to highlight what actually matters for your business right now. If you are running a site or managing a team, you need to be aware of some significant shifts in how we handle asbestos and a sobering reminder from the courts about the cost of cutting corners.
New Asbestos Regulations: What You Need to Know
On 3rd November 2026, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced a major regulatory change to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012). Following a recent consultation, the HSE is moving to strengthen the independence of the four-stage clearance process. Essentially, they are amending regulation 20 to remove potential conflicts of interest that occur when a Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractor (LARC) appoints the asbestos analyst directly. This change comes into force on 24th November 2026, though industry has a 12-month grace period to fully align with the new standards.
Why does this matter? Because asbestos remains a lethal legacy in many of our buildings. The HSE is tightening the net to ensure that air testing and site clearance are truly impartial. As an employer or dutyholder, you need to be proactive about who you are hiring for these critical tasks.
- Review your procurement: Start looking at your current contracts for asbestos surveys and removal. Ensure you are using accredited, independent third-party service providers.
- Update your records: Keep an eye out for the updated Approved Code of Practice (L143) which the HSE will be releasing later this year.
- Check your dutyholder status: If you manage premises, ensure your asbestos register is up to date and that you are not relying on outdated or conflicted advice.
A Sobering Reminder from the Courts
It is never pleasant to report on prosecutions, but we have to learn from them. Just this past week, we have seen several significant fines handed down by the courts. For instance, a construction and landscaping company was fined £20,000 after a worker fell 10 metres through a fragile roof. In another case, a company faced a massive £600,000 fine following a fatal incident involving a tyre fitter. These aren't just numbers; they represent lives changed forever and businesses brought to their knees.
The common thread in these recent cases is a failure in basic risk assessment and supervision. Whether it is working at height or roadside vehicle maintenance, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 is clear: you must provide a safe system of work. If you are feeling the pressure of tight deadlines, remember that no job is worth a life or a criminal record.
How Livius Training Can Help
At Livius Training, we have been helping businesses across Yorkshire and the wider UK navigate these complexities since 2009. We don't believe in "tick-box" training; we believe in giving your team the practical skills they need to go home safe every single day. Whether you need to brush up on your COSHH awareness, First Aid at Work, or need specific guidance on Fire Safety, we are here to help you stay compliant without the corporate jargon.
If you are unsure how these new asbestos rules affect your specific site, or if you just want to ensure your team's training is up to scratch, give us a call. Let’s have a proper conversation about keeping your people safe. You can reach out to us at Livius Training to book a course or simply ask for some honest, expert advice.
