Latest Asbestos Industry News

Health Board Fined for Asbestos Failings

Details

Published on Wednesday, 06 April 2016 10:45

A Scottish health board has been fined for a safety failing that led to several workers being exposed to potentially deadly asbestos fibres during a seven-year period.

Read more: Health Board Fined for Asbestos Failings

Two companies fined for serious breaches in the removal of asbestos

Details

Published on Tuesday, 01 September 2015 14:05

A construction management company and a director of a construction company were fined for serious safety failings whilst working on a construction site at Kensington Church Street, London.

Work was carried out by three employees of construction firm Cowen Builders Limited, of Chelmsford exposed them to asbestos over several days after it was disturbed. It will be several years before it is know if the exposure will result in asbestos related disease causing ill health and death.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard how, in May 2013, Cowen Builders Limited (CBL) had been contracted by Paragon Management UK Limited (Paragon) to carry out work at the premises. Prior to this work asbestos had been identified in a survey by Paragon. Paragon failed to provide the details of the survey to CBL prior to the work starting. CBL failed to consider the possibility of asbestos being present and then continued the work without adequate measures in place after it was known the asbestos had been disturbed.

Paragon Management UK Limited, from Austin Friars, London, was fined a total of £20,000, and ordered to pay £2,373 in costs after pleading guilty to an offence under Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. They were also ordered to pay compensation to each of the three workers.

Kenneth W Cowen, sole director of Cowen Building Limited of South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, Essex, was fined £15,000, and ordered to pay £2,373 in costs after pleading guilty to offences under Section 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

Firm Failed to Communicate Risk

Details

Published on Wednesday, 17 September 2014 14:21

A Bulding firm has been fined for failing to highlight the known presence of AIB at a warehouse.

According to HSE, Redwood Contractors Ltd was in possession of a detailed asbestos survey that clearly identified the location of the asbestos wall panels inside the building in Wokingham but the survey wasn't shared with the team on the ground.

The foreman mistook the AIB for asbestos cement and consequently, it was removed without adequate control measures and protective equipment.

Redwood Contractors Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 5 and 11 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 and was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £2,857 in costs.

Source: RoSPA Safety Express - July/August 2014 

Asbestos Analysts Review

Details

Published on Monday, 30 June 2014 13:22

HSE has begun a national project to investigate standards in the asbestos analyst industry following concerns about failure rates and dubious test clearance certificates. Inspections began in April, with the aim of visiting a large proporation of analyst companies, and carrying out both site and head office visits.

Read more: Asbestos Analysts Review

Mesothelioma Scheme Launched

Details

Published on Friday, 09 May 2014 13:58

Mesothelioma sufferers unable to trace a liable employer or employers' liability insurer will now be able to apply for compensation of £123,000, the Government has announced.

Read more: Mesothelioma Scheme Launched

Gas mask warning for schools

Details

Published on Thursday, 01 May 2014 13:25

Schools are being warned not to use World War gas masks for educational purposes as they could potentially contain asbestos.

Read more: Gas mask warning for schools

Portsmouth company in court over asbestos exposure dangers

Details

Published on Tuesday, 01 April 2014 13:37

A Portsmouth demolition firm faced criminal charges in court today (31 March) after stripping more than 50 metres of potentially-deadly asbestos board without a license and potentially putting workers at risk.

Read more: Portsmouth company in court over asbestos exposure dangers

Housing trust and two firms fined for potential asbestos risk

Details

Published on Tuesday, 04 March 2014 16:52

A trust providing housing and care for the elderly and two firms hired to carry out refurbishment work at its premises in Alnwick have been fined after staff and residents were put at risk of exposure to asbestos.

Read more: Housing trust and two firms fined for potential asbestos risk

Asbestos in schools

Details

Published on Tuesday, 25 February 2014 11:17

HSE's policy on the management of asbestos is currently being challenged in relation to asbestos in schools. It is estimated that around 75% of schools in England may contain asbestos.

Read more: Asbestos in schools

Housing Trust and Two Firms Facing Fine for Potential Asbestos Risk

Details

Published on Monday, 10 February 2014 11:57

Residents and staff of an old folks’ home in Northumberland were exposed to asbestos fibres by maintenance contractors called in to put in a new lift.

West Yorkshire firm Express Elevators Ltd was contracted by Anchor Trust to replace the lift at St Paul’s Court sheltered housing scheme in Alnwick in November 2012. PC Lifts, of London, was subcontracted to remove the existing lift ahead of the new one being installed.

Read more: Housing Trust and Two Firms Facing Fine for Potential Asbestos Risk