What is the consequence of not following proper asbestos handling procedures?

Not following proper asbestos handling procedures significantly elevates the risk of health issues for workers. Asbestos exposure is known to cause serious respiratory conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These diseases can develop over many years following exposure and often have severe and life-threatening consequences.

When safety protocols are not adhered to, the likelihood of releasing airborne asbestos fibers increases, putting workers and potentially nearby individuals at risk. Proper procedures are designed to minimize exposure, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), adequate ventilation, and thorough decontamination processes. Failing to implement these measures not only threatens health but can also lead to long-term legal and financial repercussions for employers that compromise worker safety.

The other options suggest either improvements or benefits that are not achievable when disregarding safety protocols. Increased productivity and cost savings may be short-term outcomes of bypassing safe practices but are overshadowed by the long-term health risks posed to workers and the detrimental impact on their well-being. An improved work environment is fundamentally rooted in safety and adherence to established protocols, making it impossible to claim any benefit in a context where asbestos handling is mishandled.