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Company fined for not using asbestos services firm

A development company in Cornwall has been fined for not employing an asbestos services firm and therefore putting the health of staff at risk.

Following an investigation from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Norwegian Homes pleaded guilty to breaking health and safety regulations.

It was therefore fined £4,500 and forced to pay almost £12,000 towards the cost of the court case.

HSE inspector Martin Lee said the prosecution was easily avoidable for the company.

He said: "Norwegian Homes should have carried out a survey for the presence and quantity of asbestos in the building, prior to demolition."

Mr Lee added that bringing in an asbestos services contractor would have been far more affordable than the ensuing clean-up costs and safe removal of the affected materials.

According to the HSE, asbestos is the biggest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, with 4,000 people each year losing their lives due to being exposed to the fibres.

Quantum Risk Management are a leading Health and Safety Consultancy

Posted on 04/06/2010

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