A wood processing company in Macclesfield was fined after unsafe asbestos work.
Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court heard how, in the aftermath of a large explosion at the Bosley site, Wood Treatment Ltd was directed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to fit new explosion relief panels to an asbestos cement-clad warehouse.
It was identified by two HSE inspectors that asbestos cement panels of the warehouse had been removed, cut to shape with power tools and replaced, breaching the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
The HSE investigation into the incident found that while an external company had been contracted to fit the explosion panels, they did not work with asbestos containing materials, instead employees of Wood Treatment Limited removed the cladding. Following installation of the panels, some remedial work was necessary to repair holes left in the wall. The old asbestos sheets were cut to size and refitted.
The company was fully aware of the presence of asbestos and had an Asbestos Survey and action plan. However, this information was not shared with employees and measures were not taken to contain the risks involved.
Wood Treatment Ltd of Tunstall Road, Bosley, Macclesfield pleaded guilty to a breach of Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £2,000 last August. They were ordered to pay costs of £3,000 and a victim surcharge of £170.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Ian Betley said “Asbestos is responsible for thousands of deaths in the UK every year but it only becomes dangerous when it is broken up and fibres are released into the air.
“Asbestos should only be removed by specialist contracts, Wood Treatment Ltd put workers at risk by not following the correct safety procedures.”
In order to prevent similar cases occurring in the future, risk assessments should be carried out and acted upon promptly at all working environments. Health and safety advice should be sought if needed to ensure that the necessary measures are put in place as well as ensuring that employees have received sufficient relevant training.
If you have any queries regarding health and safety training, risk assessments, asbestos management, health and safety in your workplace or relating to any other areas of HR then please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of the team on 01924 827869.
References:
http://press.hse.gov.uk/2018/company-fined-following-asbestos-exposure-during-maintenance-work/
