Puny fines over asbestos failure


Two companies have been fined a total of just £15,000 for putting people at risk of cancer caused by asbestos at a property in Leatherhead. 


A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found Bourne Valley Construction Services (BVCS) failed to plan the work and pass on information to Kingsley Asbestos Services (KAS). 


Both BVCS and KAS failed to arrange for a refurbishment and demolition survey. As a consequence work was carried out without establishing the location, presence and extent of asbestos containing materials on site.


HSE Inspector Rebekah Dunn said: “Asbestos still kills around 5,000 workers each year. 


“BVCS were in control of the works and should have provided information identified in such a survey or assessment regarding the presence of asbestos to KAS as their sub-contractor.”


BVCS was fined £8,000 plus costs and KAS £6,000 plus costs.


http://press.hse.gov.uk/2017/fine-for-two-companies-following-asbestos-investigation-in-surrey