Retailer Woolworths were fined £40,000 after staff at two Devon stores were exposed to lethal asbestos dust. Exeter Crown Court heard that asbestos fibres covered stock and shelves in two branches when a company was brought in to remove asbestos ceiling tiles. Staff had to use dustpans and brushes to clear up the carcinogenic dust.

Woolworths and Essex-based LCH Contract Ltd each admitted two health and safety at work charges. The contractors were fined a total of £100,000.

Judge John Neligan said the firm had failed to take adequate steps to protect their staff from potential exposure.

So what can we learn from this example?

• Asbestos materials become a problem when work is carried out that means they have to be moved or modified
• Survey your building to find out if you have any problem areas, this means you know in advance if issues are likely to arise during building works or re-furbishment
• Make sure your contractor is an approved asbestos specialist as you may be liable if they carry out sub-standard work.

Contact us now to discuss your next project, we are an HSE approved contractor.

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