£16,000 fine imposed for property developer’s failure to undertake asbestos survey
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo
As heard by Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Pascal Huser Design & Build Ltd undertook construction work at a Fulham property on and before 6th December 2017. However, it was discovered during a routine Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspection that the company did not carry out an asbestos survey for the site.
A reminder of the importance of this crucial duty
HSE subsequently launched an investigation, and found that the company had removed a boarded asbestos ceiling without taking any precautions to protect workers from exposure to the lethal substance. This came to pass due to the firm’s failure in its duty to undertake an asbestos survey for the property.
Pascal Huser Design & Build Ltd of Putney Bridge Road, London pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 5 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. As a result, the firm was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay £4,940.40 in costs.
HSE inspector Jenny Morris stated after the hearing: “The risk of exposure to asbestos could so easily have been avoided if the company had carried out a suitable and sufficient asbestos assessment to identify the presence of asbestos within the property prior to commencing refurbishment work.
“Companies should be aware HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
Make Oracle Solutions your choice for asbestos surveys
Anyone working on any building should be aware of the potential risks of asbestos. If you are unsure as to how to proceed with works on a site where this extremely harmful material may be present, you are welcome to talk to one of our experienced asbestos consultants or asbestos surveyors, who will be happy to provide free and impartial expert advice.
Remember, too, that we offer a complete range of asbestos surveying services across the UK. Finally, you may also be interested in reading our previous guidance on whether your firm needs to carry out an asbestos survey.