On 27 January 2026, UKATA hosted a thought-provoking webinar titled “Global Asbestos Justice: A Case Against Eternit”, delivered by Dr. Yvonne Waterman LLM FFAAM, an internationally recognised expert in asbestos-related litigation and advocacy.
Hosted by UKATA’s Events and Marketing Co-ordinator, Kelly-Anne Smith, the webinar offered attendees a rare and insightful examination of international legal cases involving Eternit, one of the most well-known companies associated with asbestos manufacturing and use. The session highlighted how different legal systems around the world have sought accountability for asbestos-related harm, and what lessons can be learned to support justice and prevention going forward.
Dr. Waterman LLM FFAAM guided participants through a range of landmark asbestos cases from multiple countries, explaining the legal processes involved, the challenges faced by victims and their families, and the barriers to achieving accountability across borders. She explored how variations in national legislation and historical asbestos use have shaped outcomes in these cases.
Throughout the session, Dr. Waterman LLM FFAAM emphasised the human impact behind the legal arguments, underlining how asbestos-related disease continues to affect communities globally. By examining Eternit’s and ETEX’s history and the resulting legal actions in various countries, the webinar reinforced the importance of strong regulation, transparency and international cooperation in preventing future harm.
Dr. Yvonne Waterman of Waterman Legal Consultancy, also founder and president of the Global Asbestos Forum, holds a Master and Doctorate in Law . She is also a Fellow of the Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management (FFAAM). With extensive experience in asbestos justice and policy, she is widely respected for her work supporting victims and influencing international debate on asbestos accountability. Her depth of knowledge and global perspective made this webinar especially valuable for legal professionals and health and safety practitioners.
Kelly-Anne Smith commented:
“Dr. Waterman LLM FFAAM delivered an incredibly powerful and informative session. Her ability to clearly explain complex international legal cases, while never losing sight of the human cost of asbestos exposure, made this webinar both educational and deeply impactful.”
Dr. Yvonne Waterman LLM FFAAM shared
"It is exceptionally rare for a director of an asbestos company to be prosecuted for murder, manslaughter and environmental disaster. The painful truth has come to light after many years of criminal trials in Italy: he knew there would be a very heavy human cost to pay for his riches, he just didn’t know in advance who those persons would eventually be. And he didn’t give a hoot, all along and to this day. He also knew that the manufacturing of his company’s asbestos cement products in Eternit factories in other countries would similarly cost untold many people there also their lives, and he didn’t give a hoot about that either. While his victims are suffering painful early deaths and families grieve for the loss of their loved ones, he enjoys living the life of a multi-billionaire in Switzerland and is happy to state that he likes what he sees in the mirror.”
This webinar forms part of UKATA’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness of asbestos risks, responsibilities and the broader global context of asbestos harm.
For those who were unable to attend the live session, the recording is available via UKATA’s website.
Keep an eye out for upcoming UKATA webinars for further expert-led discussions on critical asbestos and health and safety topics.
For more information about future events or to access resources from previous webinars, please contact Kelly-Anne Smith.
UKATA, a leading association, is dedicated to enhancing the quality and standards of asbestos training with the aim to shield workers and the public from the hazards of asbestos exposure.
The association collaborates closely with its members to guarantee that they have access to the latest information, training resources, and industry updates. They provide a suite of support services to assist them in accomplishing their training objectives. Their membership encompasses a diverse array of organisations involved in asbestos training, including training providers, asbestos removal contractors, consultants, and equipment suppliers.
UKATA is fervent about promoting safe and responsible working practices, committed to working with members and partners to realise a shared vision of protecting workers and the public from the hazards linked with asbestos exposure.
Published on Thursday 29th January 2026