Asbestos Awareness failings at Chester firm result in court ruling

The importance of raising asbestos awareness both in the workplace and in practical environments cannot be disputed with deaths from the dangerous fibres still resulting in 4,000 deaths a year.

A Cheshire-based contracting firm have landed themselves in court for failing to adhere to the right regulations.

In July 2012 during refurbishment work for a local school’s science block, the sub-contractors were guilty of failing to take proper precautions when removing a wall and channelling the floor. As a result, they accidentally released asbestos and caused a risk of exposure to those in the vicinity.

Facing prosecution at a Magistrates Court earlier in May, it was discovered that the firm had not invested in a Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey: a requirement for such a project by law.

After pleading guilty to breaching the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 with four different misdemeanours, the company was fined a total of £34,141.

HSE Inspector David King said following the ruling:

“Failing to take action to identify asbestos while planning work, and to ensure that any contractors who may disturb asbestos are aware of the location and type of asbestos present, and not taking appropriate measures to protect the health of others, is totally inexcusable.”