HSE/NW/123/07 18 October 2007
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is urging employers to ensure the safety of non-employees who may be affected by risks arising from their work activity. This follows HSE's prosecution of a Preston building contractor who exposed two workers from another company to asbestos.
Mr Mustaq Bargit, trading as M and B Builders, of Victoria Road, Fulwood, was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,137.73 after pleading guilty at Preston Magistrates Court to a charge under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, Section 3(1), after he allowed work on a construction site to continue before an asbestos survey was completed.
During a visit, HSE Inspectors became concerned that asbestos was present in a building that Mr Bargit's company was working on. This was later confirmed.
HSE Inspector Joanne Eccles said: "All contractors have a duty to ensure people's health and safety. In this instance Mr Bargit had been made aware of the possible presence of asbestos but failed to take the proper precautions necessary to deal with this danger. Asbestos is the greatest single cause of work-related death in this country. Asbestos is only dangerous when disturbed so if possible it should be managed and contained."
"HSE has produced straight forward advice to building occupiers, contractors and workers on how to avoid the dangers of asbestos. Any substantial renovation work should only be started after a full asbestos survey has been carried out."
Regional reporters should call the appropriate regional COI press office.
Issued on behalf of HSE by Government News Network North West.
Regional reporters should call the appropriate regional COI press office who act as HSE's Press Office throughout Great Britain.
