Last Updated on 7th March 2021 by Admin

Exposed to asbestos at work. GKN Aerospace Services Ltd and Lybrook Constructors Ltd, trading as DL Group, have been found guilty of various asbestos related safety failings after construction workers were exposed to asbestos at GKN’s premises in Yeovil, Somerset.

DL Group was requested, by GKN Aerospace Services Ltd on 17 June 2010, to remove ceiling tiles within its treatment facilities room. Yeovil Magistrates’ Court heard that GKN had done a basic survey prior to refurbishment work being carried out but this had been ignored. HSE stated that GKN placed an order for the works with DL Group, although it did not have the skills to carry out adequate assessments or hold a suitable license to work with or remove asbestos. In addition, it was heard that employees commenced removal work without the necessary demolition and refurbishment survey being implemented. This means that any presence of asbestos was not identified thus putting workers and any other people in the vicinity at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

GKN Aerospace Services Ltd of Ferry Road, East Cowes, Isle of Wight, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay £5,885 in costs. Lybrook Constructors Ltd, t/a DL Group, of Malmesbury Road, Chippenham, admitted to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £3,400 and ordered to pay £5,885 in costs.

This case illustrates the need to implement a Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey prior to any work being carried out on properties built before the year 2000, when asbestos was banned in the UK. The Survey would identify any asbestos containing material present and make recommendations on how the material can be safely removed/repaired. Here at Armco we have a wealth of experience in undertaking such surveys, as well as Management Asbestos Surveys and all other asbestos related consultancy and advice. Contact the office for further details – 0161 763 3727.

Suppose you are concerned about possible exposure to asbestos from work activities. You need to consult your GP and ask for a note to be made in your record about potential exposure, including date(s), duration, type of asbestos and possible exposure levels (if known). In some circumstances, your GP may refer you to a specialist in respiratory medicine.

If your employer is putting you at risk of being exposed to asbestos the HSE website has some advise on how to report it.

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Published Jul 05, 2012