‘The workers working on that basement are sent into an environment where there are potential areas of asbestos, just as a soldier is sent into a minefield without a map’ – Manchester Crown Court, prosecutor Joseph Hart
A hostel in Manchester has been hit with over £44K in fines and court costs due to failure to commission an asbestos survey prior to a refurbishment project.
19th Century built Hatters Hostel based in the Northern Quarter was scrutinised by Manchester Crown Court for potentially exposing their workers to life threatening substances in the eight month period of works carried out.
Although the company was known for having an ‘impeccable’ health and safety record, the failure of duty of care seen a large volume of workers as quoted by prosecutor Joseph Hart ‘sent into an environment where there are potential areas of asbestos, just as a solider is sent into a minefield without a map’.
HSE inspector Matt Greenly commented ‘The requirement to have a suitable asbestos survey is clear and well known throughout the construction industry. Only by knowing if asbestos is present in any building before works commence can a contractor ensure that people working on their site are not exposed to these deadly fibres.’
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