The importance of safety compliance and construction regulations training when dealing with asbestos has been highlighted.

Brendan Barber, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), called attention to the issue following a ruling regarding a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) campaign.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) stated that the Asbestos: The Hidden Killer initiative should have made clear in radio adverts that figures regarding deaths as a result of exposure to fibres were partly based on estimates.

However, Mr Barber noted that the statistics are actually regarded as being cautious and backed the campaign, adding that it has helped raise awareness.

"The ASA ruling, while unfortunate, does not change the fact that asbestos is the number one occupational killer and that every case of exposure is avoidable with the correct safety procedures," he said.

Earlier this month, the HSE emphasised the issue after three contractors were fined over the unlicensed removal of asbestos from a school.

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