A 16-year-old worker was exposed to asbestos while working for a North East contractor, leading to legal repercussions and fines.
- The incident involved the handling of cement sheets containing asbestos during a property refurbishment in Richmond, North Yorkshire.
- The contractor, P Turnbull Joinery & Building Services Ltd, failed to conduct a proper risk assessment and safeguard the worker.
- Both the contractor and the client, Alt Berg Holding Ltd, were fined for breaches related to asbestos safety regulations.
- The Health and Safety Executive highlighted the importance of asbestos surveys and effective communication between clients and contractors.
In June 2021, a 16-year-old employee, working under the North East firm P Turnbull Joinery & Building Services Ltd, unwittingly handled asbestos-laden materials. The task involved dismantling cement sheets from an outbuilding roof, which were subsequently identified to contain asbestos. This exposure occurred during a refurbishment project in Richmond, North Yorkshire.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) underscored that the company neglected to adequately assess the work, thereby failing to prevent the teenager’s exposure to the hazardous material. Given the potential health risks associated with asbestos, this oversight was deemed significant.
Consequently, P Turnbull Joinery & Building Services Ltd admitted guilt to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The court imposed a fine of £2,000, along with an additional £500 in costs.
In parallel, the client, Alt Berg Holding Ltd, faced accusations of not executing a necessary asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey. This was crucial in identifying asbestos presence prior to work commencement. Their failure led to a guilty plea for breaching Regulation 4(4) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, resulting in a £6,000 fine and £1,950 in costs.
HSE principal inspector Chris Tilley stated that a pre-construction asbestos survey, if conducted, would have highlighted the asbestos risk, enabling the implementation of proper safety controls. The inspector stressed that such incidents are preventable with adequate pre-construction information, consistent communication, and strict adherence to safe working practices.
This case underscores the critical importance of stringent safety measures and thorough risk assessments in preventing hazardous occupational exposures.
