Building fined for asbestos health and safety issues
Stuart Pearson runs a Dorset construction company. The HSE brought him up on charges for health and safety at work incidents. The HSE found the self-employed man put people’s health at risk when working with asbestos in 2011. He was carrying out work in a working house that involved demolition. The work was meant to get groundwork set up for a new house on the property. Pearson was given an asbestos survey to show that he would need to take precautions when demolition was going on. The survey was conducted when a plumber was called in for boiler repair, but found asbestos.
The report stated there were 12 metres of asbestos in unsatisfactory condition. The areas were considered high risk and therefore proper cleaning of the asbestos would need to occur. The asbestos regulations would need to be followed according to the report. Despite the report’s statement of health and safety requirements such as full gear and proper removal, Pearson did not conduct the work properly.
Since the HSE was called in to investigate due to a complaint and it was found the report was in Pearson’s possession, the regulatory body decided it was necessary to bring the man up on charges in the local court. The courts have decided to fine the contractor for lack of safety and health. Given the damage that asbestos can cause to one’s health and the fact that there were high risk areas in the house, the fines could have been prevented with the practice of proper work ethic.
