Lack of asbestos survey leads to prosecution

Building contractor J C Irvine Limited has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive for exposing workers to asbestos fibres during refurbishment work at the old Ace Electrics building in The Strand, Swansea.

Before work commenced, no asbestos survey was carried out, meaning the team of workers entered the building blind to the danger. They ended up working with asbestos and subsequently an environment with airbourne asbestos fibers--something we all know can lead to death.

The HSE was informed of what was going on, visited to asses the situation, and issued a Prohibition Notice. That was back in April/May 2010. Now, J C Irvine has pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 23(1)(a) of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 and Regulation 5 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. The total payout for the company is £14,148.50. Unfortunately the workers can't really have their exposure taken back and must now hope they don't suffer because of it.

HSE inspector, Hayley Healey said:

"This prosecution should act as a reminder to those in the construction industry of the importance of ensuring that an asbestos survey, and its findings, are available prior to work being carried out and that the correct control measures are in place to ensure that exposure to asbestos is prevented, so far as is reasonably practicable."

The health risks to workers and the cost to the company could have been completely avoided by carrying out an asbestos survey. Unfortunately, it seems some companies are still either unwilling, or lack the knowledge to do or request such surveys, and ultimately multiple people suffer because of it.

We offer both asbestos and demolition awareness, and asbestos awareness courses, both of which aim to educate personnel and their employers as to the dangers of exposure to asbestos. A little knowledge can help to cut the number of people who die from asbestos-related diseases every year.

Source: HSE