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Asbestos risk caused by failure to pass on survey report to contractors
Mansell Construction Services Ltd and Woodlands Plant Hire Ltd have been found guilty of putting workers and the public at risk by failing to properly manage the presence of asbestos during the refurbishment of a residential block of flats in 2009.
The incident occurred during the work in an occupied London Borough of Hackney block of flats. Asbestos insulation board (AIB) was disturbed and removed by unlicensed contractor, Woodlands Plant Hire Ltd.
A survey had identifed the presence of AIB in a number of the properties. Mansell were provided with the survey but failed to take action or pass the survey to their contractors.
Breaches despite high profile campaigns
Mansell Construction Services Ltd pleaded guilty and was fined £50,000 at the Old Bailey for breaching Regulation 22(1)(a) Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007.
Woodlands Plant Hire Ltd pleaded guilty of breaching regulations 5, 8(1) and 11(a) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, and was fined £50,000. The companies were ordered to pay joint costs of £20,690.
HSE Inspector Dominic Ellis said:
“Despite recent high profile campaigns on the dangers of working with asbestos, this case sadly illustrates some companies are still failing to manage the risks robustly.
Mansell had information that asbestos was present, yet neglected to act on it, meaning a licensable asbestos material was removed in an uncontrolled manner, needlessly risking the health of contractors and members of the public.”