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This article was published on December 2nd, 2015
An engineering firm has been fined a total of £11,000 after the deadly substance, asbestos, was discovered at their factory premises and they failed to adhere to H & S procedures.
Asbestos can cause serious respiratory problems that can lead to serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The HSE investigating the engineering company found that they failed to document or manage the risks to their employees and indeed any visitors to the site.
A Magistrates’ Court heard how the engineering company was informed of the presence of asbestos at their site during a survey carried out back in 2006. Since then, potentially hazardous work was undertaken which could have disturbed the asbestos materials. It was when the HSE investigated them that it was discovered there was no documentation or plan implemented to manage the Asbestos to control the risks to staff.
The company was fined a total of £11,000, with costs of £1,610 after pleading guilty to offences under Regulation 4(8)(b) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Health and Safety Executive Inspector said: “Asbestos kills around 5,000 workers each year, this is more than the number killed on UK roads. Asbestos can be present within any premises built or refurbished before the year 2000. This prosecution should serve as a warning to companies to properly manage the risks of asbestos exposure. Whenever asbestos containing materials are found to be present, companies have a legal duty to document and implement an Asbestos Management Plan which includes measures to adequately control the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres.”
Exposure to harmful and dangerous substances is not acceptable in the workplace. Employers have a duty to comply with Health and Safety laws and regulations and provide there employees with a safe workplace accident free environment, and if they don’t fulfil this then they are breaking the law, as well as putting you at risk. If you have an accident at work as a result then you have a right to file an injury at work claim against them.
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As with accident at work claims, you would need to prove that your workplace injuries were caused as a result of the negligence of your employer and we will advise you on what procedures you need to follow, as well as assisting you in obtaining evidence that will support your accident at work claim.
No matter what your injury, if you have suffered an accident at work speak to one of our specialist solicitors who will handle every aspect of your work accident compensation claim, providing the support and expertise you deserve.
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