Last Updated on 12th April 2022 by Dan

Bedfordshire contractor fined after failing to carry out asbestos assessment

A contractor from Bedfordshire has received a fine following a demolition job on a building he was responsible for, failing to carryout asbestos assessments.

He was fined for failing to carry out an asbestos assessment of the removal work.

Anthony West did arrange for a pre-demolition asbestos survey to be carried out on the building.

But Luton Magistrates Court heard how he didn’t check the survey properly before commencing work on site.

The report indicated the presence of asbestos.

But he chose to ignore the advice given to use a licensed asbestos removal contractor to remove the asbestos.

A member of the public reported West to the HSE on 16 April 2015.

The HSE then started their own investigation into the matter.

Mr West, from Pavenham, Bedford, pleaded guilty in court to breaching sections 5,7,8 and 16 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

He also received a fine totalling £2970 and was ordered to pay costs amounting to £5419.

Following the court hearing,  Alison Outhwaite, HSE inspector 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.”

Duty holders and employers have a legal responsibility to manage asbestos in their building so as not to put employees at risk. Contact our Armco office for asbestos management and refurbishment/ demolition surveys on 0161 763 3727 or by visiting https://www.armco.org.uk/
Alternatively, for all your asbestos training needs call 0161 761 4424 or visit https://www.armcoasbestostraining.co.uk/ for more information or to book a training course.

Published Mar 20, 2017