A British asbestos management company has been fined after prosecution by the HSE, while two of its employees have been jailed for ‘failing to protect workers from asbestos exposure’ during refurbishment works in Plymouth.
In February of 2017, concerns were raised by workers at Ensure Asbestos Management Limited, when they believed they were being put at risk of asbestos-related illness or injury during refurbishment work at a department store.
The subsequent investigation by the HSE found that there were irregularities in the asbestos surveys and clearance certificates supplied, and some were later found to be fraudulent.
The company had been tasked with carrying out an asbestos survey, removing all asbestos-related materials and then stripping out the building prior to the refurbishment project.
The company was later found to have cut corners on safety standards during the project. After sentencing, HSE Inspector Georgina Symons explained that the company, “a previously licensed asbestos removal contractor – failed to work within the law despite having a wealth of knowledge on the risks associated with exposure to asbestos and the necessary training to have done so safely. They deliberately falsified documents and cut corners.
The company, director and contacts manager all pleaded guilty to various charges relating to breaches of HSE legislation. Director Billy Hopwood was sentenced to ten months in prison, while contracts manager Philip Hopwood was sentenced to 15 months in prison.
Ensure Asbestos Management Limited was fined £100,000.
Ms Symons noted that, “Workers should be supported by their employers when they raise health or safety concerns. This case sends a clear message that those responsible will be held to account for their failings.
“The dangers associated with asbestos are well known, and a wealth of advice and guidance is freely available from HSE and other organisations.