A fine has been handed to a demolition firm after failing to follow the asbestos removal assessment conducted on the building
Failure to carry out an asbestos removal assessment has led to a Bedfordshire-based demolition contractor receiving a £2,970 fine.
The case, which was brought before Luton Magistrates’ Court, revealed that Anthony West was contracted to undertake demolition work. West procured a pre-demolition asbestos survey for the building before starting.
However, concerns were raised over the demolition work. This was reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in April 2015 by a member of the public. Subsequently, the HSE investigated the site.
Failure to adequately use the survey
The outcome of the investigation found that West had failed to check the pre-demolition survey adequately before starting work.
Furthermore, he had not used a licensed asbestos removal contractor, as was advised.
West pleaded guilty to breaching sections 5,7,8 and 16 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and was fined £2,970. He was also ordered to pay costs of £5,419.
Safety failures could have detrimental consequences to health
Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Alison Outhwaite said: “The safety failings in this case could have led to severe illness in later years. West not only put himself at risk to exposure but potentially to fellow workers and members of the public walking past.
“Duty holders have the responsibility to ensure that adequate assessments take place to avoid the risk of asbestos exposure. This includes checking the accuracy and clarity of any information provided by others.”
