Failure to Undertake Asbestos Assessment Lands Property Developers in Court

A PROPERTY development company has been sentenced after failing to carry out an asbestos assessment prior to undertaking extensive refurbishment works.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard how, on and before 6 December 2017, Fulham firm, Pascal Huser Design & Build Ltd undertook construction work at a property in Fulham, London. The company failed to carry out an asbestos survey for the property which was uncovered during a routine Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspection.

No Asbestos Assessment

The investigation found that the company removed a boarded asbestos ceiling without taking any precautions to prevent workers being exposed to the health risk. This happened because the company failed in its duty to carry out an asbestos survey for the property.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Control of Asbestos Regulations (2012) and was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4940.40.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Jenny Morris, said: “The risk of exposure to asbestos could so easily have been avoided if the company had carried out a suitable and sufficient asbestos assessment to identify the presence of asbestos within the property prior to commencing refurbishment work”.

“Companies should be aware HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”

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