Failure to manage asbestos
A latest press release from the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) reveals safety failings during a refurbishment of a former office block.
An investigation by the HSE found that an asbestos survey had been carried out, but was not passed onto the construction company prior to work being carried out. The survey identified the presence of asbestos containing materials (ACM’s) including licensed ACM’s.
Manchester Magistrates court heard how materials containing asbestos, along with other general waste, had been discarded from the property and were spread across the roof of a one-story part of the block. Some of the materials had also fallen onto a car park area below that was not segregated from passing members of the public. The property management company failed in its duty to pass the survey onto the contractor prior to work commencing, and the contractor failed in its duty to identify whether a survey had been undertaken and went ahead with the work in a reckless manner, resulting in two employees being exposed to asbestos fibres.
Swift Property Management Limited of Denison Road, Manchester pleaded guilty to breaching sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the health and safety at work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £25,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,428.
Samer Constructions Limited of Platt Lane, Manchester pleaded guilty to breaching sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the health and safety at work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,428.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Phil Redman said ‘’Companies should be aware that the HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.’’
To read the full HSE article, please click here.
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