Kings College Cambridge fined over asbestos

Kings College Cambridge have been fined £16,000 and ordered to pay £14,500 in legal costs after pleading guilty to a number of breaches in health and safety regulations surrounding asbestos.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prompted the case going to court after painters were put at risk by being allowed to work on materials without holding the required legal documents.

David Head, HSE principal inspector, said: "The exposure of employees to asbestos at Kings College could and should have been avoided by straightforward safety precautions. HSE will not hesitate to take action against those who fall short of the law in such a way."

The college clerk was fined as he did not ensure that the workers were properly trained.

According to figures from the HSE, Every year 1,000 people who worked in building maintenance and repair trades die from past exposures to asbestos fibres.

Today is the last day of the HSE's 'You are more at risk than you think!' campaign to make more workers aware of the dangers of asbestos.

Find out more about asbestos