Compensation claims for clearance team exposed to asbestos?
A team working to clear premises in Stockton could push for compensation after possibly being exposed to asbestos.
The Care for Your Area group of Stockton on Tees Borough Council stripped the Music and Drama Club in Buchanan Street and removed fixtures such as the kitchen, doors and seating arrangements.
Following the appointment of a contractor to remove the asbestos and demolish the building, however, it was found some items containing the dangerous substance had already been taken from the location when the earlier work knocked the fabric of the structure.
Natalie Wright, inspector for the Health and Safety Executive, noted: "Stockton on Tees Borough Council failed to ensure that a suitable and sufficient assessment was made of the risk created by the presence of asbestos in this building."
Ms Wright pointed out the workers were therefore potentially exposed to asbestos fibres - a scenario that could have been prevented had the right steps been taken.
Posted by Francesca Witney
03/07/2012 16:58
