Asbestportalen launched to improve asbestos safety in Norway

The IA Industry Program for Construction and Building has launched ‘Asbestportalen’ (The Asbestos Portal), a digital tool designed to help workers and employers identify and manage asbestos risks. Although asbestos was banned in Norway in 1985, it remains a leading cause of work-related deaths, with between 150 and 250 people dying annually from asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma.

The portal provides expert information, including how to recognize asbestos in materials like walls, pipes, glue, and paint, as well as lists of approved companies authorized to handle and remove the substance. It also features a chat function for user questions and guidance on employer responsibilities during rehabilitation projects.

During the launch, Norwegian Minister of Labour and Inclusion Kjersti Stenseng and officials from the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority emphasized the importance of the initiative in preventing cancer caused by hazardous substances. The tool aims to increase awareness within the construction industry, particularly when working on older buildings where asbestos is still prevalent.