Young Workers Facing High Asbestos Exposure Risks
New data reveals a lack of safety awareness and low employer trust among employees entering the trades.
- By Jesse Jacobs
- Apr 08, 2026
Young workers are experiencing high rates of job-related illnesses, driven in part by a significant gap in asbestos safety awareness, according to new data from Asbestos.com.
The report found that 32% of young workers have encountered asbestos while on the job. Even more concerning, 88% of these workers admitted to cutting into suspicious materials without knowing the chemical makeup of the substance.
The data also highlights a breakdown in workplace culture, as only 15% of young employees said they trust their employer to protect them from these environmental risks.
To mitigate these hazards, safety experts emphasize that no material should be assumed safe. Building owners and contractors are required to conduct a good-faith inspection (GFI) before any construction, renovation or demolition project. This inspection identifies asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed during work.
Failure to perform a GFI or improper removal of the material can result in immediate stop-work orders and substantial financial penalties for both property owners and contractors.
Beyond legal compliance, identifying and disclosing asbestos is a critical safety measure. Proper identification prevents the toxic fibers from being spread to vehicles, homes and other communal workplaces.
The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) offers safety and health consultants to help employers understand and implement asbestos regulations to ensure worker protection.
About the Author
Jesse Jacobs is assistant editor of OHSOnline.com.