Firm fined £4k for asbestos exposure

A firm working in Manchester has been fined £4,000 for putting five of its workers at risk of contracting an asbestos-related illness.

Eastern Regional Shopfitters Ltd pleaded guilty to three breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 during a case at Trafford Magistrates Court which took place following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The company was prosecuted after ignoring a report warning it that asbestos was present in one of its developments in the city's main central shopping area - the Arndale Centre.

Two employees worked in the shop in question for five days in October 2009 prior to realising that asbestos had been used in some of its ceiling panels.

Tom Merry, inspector for the HSE, commented that the firm was aware of the issue but "didn't inform its workers and didn't ensure it was dealt with safely".

"Five people now have to live with the knowledge that they may become ill with a life-threatening lung disease," he added.

Posted by Craig Williams
 

24/08/2010 11:57