Firms 'must manage asbestos risks'

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning employers they must manage the risks posed to their staff's health and safety by exposure to asbestos.

It follows the prosecution of R Maskell and LCH Contracts for breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 as well as the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002.

R Maskell was carrying out refurbishment work when employees discovered asbestos. The firm subsequently sub-contracted LCH to remove the dangerous substance and an inspection by the HSE found the management of the risk to health and safety was poor and stopped work from continuing.

LCH was ordered to pay £83,821 in fines and costs, while R Maskell's financial penalty was £180,000.

Nicola Surrey, HSE inspector, said firms are obliged to reduce the risk of harm from asbestos.

"Asbestos must be properly managed to prevent people dying from asbestos diseases in the future. If you are responsible for managing the maintenance and repair of a building, you must manage any asbestos in it," he said.

Recently, Hertel Services sent home 15 members of staff for being unshaven, because the stubble meant their protective masks worn to reduce the risk of harm from asbestos would not work sufficiently, the Whitehaven news reports.