A construction site supervisor has been fined after taking action that exposed primary school students and teaching staff to harmful asbestos throughout the course of renovation work taking place in Bristol.
Occurring during May of 2023, it is now known that the site supervisor cut through asbestos insulating board using a saw. As a result, asbestos fibres spread through the school’s hall, which was used for the subsequent two days by both young children and teachers alike.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the site supervisor failed to follow standard training, as well as concise instructions not to interfere with the wall. The wall was also due to be checked by a licensed asbestos contractor prior to removal to certify its asbestos status.
As a note to tradespeople: The HSE currently runs two campaigns to inform and educate tradespeople on the hazards of asbestos and how to work safely with it. See below:
These campaigns are also dedicated to finding those responsible for the maintenance and repair of non-domestic buildings.
Comprehensive guidance remains available for workers concerning working safely with asbestos and how it should be treated – more information here. This includes information on:
- how to identify asbestos,
- what to do if you find it, and
- the appropriate safety measures needed when working with or around asbestos-containing materials.
Workers in trades such as construction, maintenance, demolition and installation are more predisposed to the risk of being affected by asbestos; therefore, they should ensure they have appropriate training before starting work that may interfere with such materials.
After pleading guilty to breaching Section 7(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, the site supervisor was fined £1,800, following an order to pay a £720 victim surcharge and an additional £4,000 in costs at Bristol Magistrates’ Court – the total of the financial penalty coming to £6,520.
On behalf of the HSE, inspector Ian Whittles stated, “Every year around 5,000 people die from asbestos-related diseases, often taking decades to develop symptoms. In this case, wholly unacceptable exposure to asbestos fibres occurred as a result of an individual employee not following instructions and procedures designed to prevent such occurrences.”
For more guidance, see the HSE’s Introduction to asbestos safety here.
Compensation for Asbestos Exposure
We at Asbestos Awareness are dedicated to sharing vital information and highlighting the consequences of asbestos exposure. After being exposed to asbestos, a person can be at considerable risk of contracting an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer. If you have been informed that you are suffering from such a disease, it is crucial to seek out the necessary legal advice to ensure you receive the compensation you are rightfully owed.
Our site is owned and managed by Bridge McFarland, a UK-based law firm with a leading personal injury department dedicated to supporting clients in claiming compensation owed as a result of an asbestos-related disease diagnosis.
If you have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestos-related disease, we can assist you. Please call 0800 987 8809 or fill in this contact form.
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