Failure to manage asbestos results in costly court action, warns Usdaw

Shopworkers’ union Usdaw has warned firms that failure to take asbestos risks seriously could result in costly court action.

High street firm Poundstretcher Ltd was ordered to pay £15,000 in fines and costs after exposing employees to asbestos fibres.

A Usdaw spokesperson said:

"Asbestos is a very dangerous substance that needs to be managed carefully. This successful prosecution is a reminder to all employers that they should know where any asbestos materials are in their buildings and make sure it is safe."

A routine inspection at a Poundstretcher store by environmental health officers in Leicester found damaged asbestos insulation boarding and asbestos debris on the floor. Employees had been exposed to asbestos fibres over a period of time during routine work activities.

Nuneaton demolition company Dalebrick Ltd and two directors were fined a total of £245,000 at Birmingham Crown Court on 3 August after the firm hired a team of temporary workers to work on a site without warning them of the asbestos risk. The directors also received lengthy bans.
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