Expert Calls For Recognition Of Risks

Companies have been urged by an asbestos claims specialist to recognise the risks of the building material, after two firms were fined for failing to properly manage the substance.

Mansell Construction Services Ltd of Croydon and Woodlands Plant Hire Ltd of Ickleton were fined a total of £100,000 after their work led to the disturbance of asbestos fibres during a refurbishment project in an occupied block of flats in Hackney.

While a survey had been provided to Mansell, the firm failed to act on it or pass the information on to Woodlands Plant Hire.

Both employees and members of the public are thought to have been exposed to asbestos due to the failings.

Guy Darlaston, a Partner and asbestos claims specialist based at Irwin Mitchell’s London office, said: “It is very disappointing to see that cases like this continue to arise, particularly when both workers and the general public have been unnecessarily exposed to asbestos.

“We regularly see the devastating legacy that asbestos exposure has on so many people, who often have to suffer as a result of companies failing to recognise the risks.

“This is unacceptable and we will continue to campaign for proper awareness of safety standards in the hope that lessons can be learnt that prevent similar incidents in the future.”