Asbestos Exposure Leads to Fines for Company

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has led to convictions for a company and its director after workers were found to have been exposed to asbestos.

The HSE originally attended the company's premises following concerns about unsafe working at height during the demolition of units and the construction of new houses. However, the inspection revealed significant amounts of asbestos-containing materials on the premises, mostly debris from roof sheets that contained asbestos.

A further HSE investigation established that the asbestos removal work was carried out under the direct control and instruction of the company's director. Having instructed a surveyor to carry out an asbestos demolition survey prior to the work taking place, the director had been fully aware of the presence of asbestos and the risks it posed.

The company was fined £20,000 after pleading guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The director also pleaded guilty to offences under the Act. He was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and fined £75,000. Both he and the company were ordered to pay costs of £18,784.