North Warwickshire Borough Council and a decorating firm in Birmingham have been fined after workers were exposed to dangerous asbestos fibres.
Leamington Spa Magistrates’ Court heard last Thursday (31st October) how the council was refurbishing its community centre in Fillongley, Warwickshire in March 2012 when it sent its contractor, Intal Decorators Ltd, to remove asbestos insulation board.
The asbestos should have been removed by a licensed contractor under controlled conditions; however it was instead spread around the site by staff.
The situation was picked up by other tradesmen on the site who reported the problem to management, and an investigation was launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It found that the council had undertaken a survey which gave details regarding the presence of asbestos; however the council had failed to pass this information on to Intal Directors Ltd.
The firm had also not carried out its own assessment of the insulation boards to see whether asbestos was present.
North Warwickshire Borough Council pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act and was fined £10,000 together with costs of £1,200.
Intal Decorators Limited, from Birmingham, pleaded guilty to breaching the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The company was fined £5,000 and told to pay a further £500 in costs.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and you need legal representation, Russell Worth solicitors can help. We are a trusted group of personal injury solicitors specialising in industrial disease claims and our experienced team have helped hundreds of victims claim compensation for asbestos exposure. Visit our dedicated website at www.asbestosisclaims.com or call 0800 028 2060 to speak to one of our friendly team.