Despite continuous reminders from the HSE officers on the precautionary measures to be adopted against the exposure to asbestos, construction companies continue to breach the Health and Safety at Work etc Act, 1974.
Yet another reminder comes from the HSE on the importance of carrying out accurate asbestos surveys after the prosecution of Bestoff Services Ltd when two workers carrying out refurbishment work at a construction site were exposed to asbestos. The company pleaded guilty of breaching section 3(1) of the act. A fine of £3,000 has been imposed on the company and it has also been ordered to pay £2,091 as costs.
An asbestos survey was carried out by the company on the refurbishment site in February 2008 reporting no presence of asbestos. Following the results, work on the site started in March with two workers removing panels of fibrous board. The site manager however became suspicious of these panels and sent them for a detailed analysis. The report showed the presence of asbestos, proving his suspicions right. On 27th March another full site survey was conducted, the results of which showed the presence of asbestos in several areas of the building.
Companies need to be sure that they are giving the correct instructions to employees with regard to health and safety issues. Companies should make themselves fully aware of the most up-to-date requirements by visiting Workplace Law and look at their highly regarded iosh safely courses.
After the hearing, Karen Morris, HSE Inspector stated that refurbishment sites should carry out the asbestos survey before the work starts and these surveys should be trustworthy to prevent any danger to the workers. She also said that the alertness of the site manager averted the risk of asbestos exposure, and acknowledged that the contractor did engage an asbestos surveying company to carry out the survey but the company did not give the right report.