Company disregards safety, exposes 20 people to asbestos

A Redditch firm has been prosecuted by the HSE for putting 20 people's health at risk after exposing them knowingly to asbestos.

Avon Freight Group Ltd. wanted to demolish a number of walls in a unit as part of a conversion project. A survey was carried out, asbestos was identified, and quotes were received from three companies licensed to carry out the asbestos removal. But AFG decided to get an unlicensed builder to do the work instead.

1.5 tons of asbestos was removed and disposed of as asbestos cement, when it clearly was not. The problem was, the builder had not removed all of the asbestos and 20 people had been using the unit with asbestos fibres floating around in the air.

By disregarding health and safety procedures AFG put many lives at risk. The HSE prosecuted both AFG and the builder, with total fines and costs totaling £115,294. However, that's little compensation for those exposed to the asbestos and potentially facing serious health problems in later life.

Source: HSE