A Nottinghamshire building firm has been fined £20,000 for contaminated an elderly resident’s possessions with asbestos during bathroom renovation work.
Overview
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) reported that Abbott and Mason Building and Joinery Contractors Ltd of Mansfield were carrying out work at the home of 96-year-old Mrs Ann Jenkins in Musters Road on 4 February 2010.
The company was removing asbestos insulation board (AIB) which had been used to box in pipework behind the bath but many of Mrs Jenkins’ possessions, including clothing and furniture was contaminated with asbestos fibres and had to be destroyed.
They also left asbestos-containing materials outside the building in the open air, putting the public at risk.
The dangerous work was spotted by the warden at the complex, who stopped the activity immediately and took Mrs Jenkins – who had been sitting very close to the bathroom – to a safe place. After staying with her family, Mrs Jenkins was relocated to another flat.
Outcome
The HSE prosecuted Abbott and Mason Building and Joinery Contractors Ltd, of Carter Lane, Mansfield. The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 7, 8, 11(1), 16 and 24(1) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 and was fined a total of £20,000. The company was also ordered to pay full costs of £5,741.
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Source: Health & Safety Executive
