News: The cost of working unsafely with asbestos
The impact of working unsafely with asbestos is not just risking the long-term health of yourself and others, it will cost your business too.
Exposure to asbestos is the greatest cause of work-related deaths in Great Britain. If disturbed, harmful fibres are released into the air and can cause fatal diseases when inhaled. Symptoms typically take decades to develop and there is no cure.
Below are several prosecutions of businesses and self-employed trades who have failed to comply with law and faced the consequences. As well as being fined and receiving negative publicity, people and communities have been affected by the harm caused.
Builder sentenced for unlicensed asbestos removal during house renovation
A builder has been fined after carrying out unlicensed asbestos removal work at a house being renovated.
Despite being warned by the customer that asbestos was potentially present in the fascia boards, the builder proceeded to remove the asbestos-containing materials.
This type of work should only be undertaken by a licensed asbestos contractor with appropriate safety controls in place.
He was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order with 180 hours Unpaid Work and ordered to pay £2000 in costs.
Read the full story here.
Contractor sentenced after uncontrolled spread of asbestos in garden
A self-employed roofing contractor has been ordered to undertake unpaid work after the uncontrolled spread of asbestos in a back garden, putting two young workers and local residents at risk.
HSE began an investigation after a local resident raised concerns about debris that had fallen into their garden during the work. Analysis confirmed the debris contained chrysotile asbestos.
Watch the doorbell-cam footage and read the full article.
Site supervisor failed to follow asbestos awareness training
A construction site supervisor failed to follow asbestos awareness training, including clear instructions not to disturb a wall. He cut through asbestos insulating board using a circular saw.
His actions resulted in asbestos fibres spreading throughout a school hall, which was subsequently used for two days by pupils and staff. He was fined, ordered to pay a victim surcharge along with costs – a total financial penalty of £6,520.
Community order for builder after man fell through barn roof containing asbestos
A self-employed builder has been told to complete 200 hours unpaid work after a man fell more than 13 feet through a barn roof on his first day on the job.
His horrific injuries included a brain haemorrhage as well as multiple fracturs including to his skull, the sternum, the spine and the shoulder.
An investigation by HSE found that as well as failing to consider the work at height, the roof in question also contained asbestos fibres.
Protect your business, yourself and others
Asbestos is not a problem of the past and needs to be managed safely whether you’re responsible for maintenance and repair of buildings or involved in construction work.
Find out more about our two campaigns for help and guidance:
- Asbestos & You: for tradespeople to know what to watch for, and what to do should you come across asbestos.
- Asbestos – Your Duty: for those responsible for maintenance and repair of non-domestic buildings.
- Sign up to the asbestos ebulletin for latest news and information.