Westminster magistrates have fined Protostar Construction Ltd £14000 following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for the uncontrolled removal of asbestos by a none licenced removal company.
Protostar commissioned an asbestos survey to assess and provide details on how the asbestos should be dealt with. However, when the survey company attended the site, they discovered that PCL and an unlicensed removal company had already removed the asbestos themselves placing visitors to the site and those working on the site at risk.
The HSE carried out an investigation at the site in Finchley road, where PCL where carrying out refurbishment. The investigation found that a significant amount of asbestos had been removed without taking the required precautions to remove safely and prevent its spread.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Ian Shearring said “This sentencing serves as a timely reminder for construction companies that a failure to effectively manage asbestos can and will lead to enforcement action. Inspectors like myself are currently visiting sites right across London for evidence of companies knowing the risks associated with asbestos, planning their work and using the right controls. We want to see all construction workers, and members of the public, protected from the risks of exposure to asbestos.”