Members of the public and workers were put at risk after a large scale asbestos disturbance.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) took two companies to court after one of their inspectors uncovered a demolition site in Cannock, Staffordshire, in September 2023.
Asbestos identified
Asbestos had been found on the site. The HSE’s investigation established that Sohan Group Limited, the client for the project, had commissioned an asbestos management survey before work began, which identified some asbestos-containing materials within the building.
The company shared this survey with the demolition contractor, Maize Metals Limited, who went ahead with the demolition work despite being aware of the asbestos present.
Court fines and sentencing
Sohan Group Limited had not appointed a principal contractor to manage the construction project as required.
It appointed Disa Properties Limited, represented by Ali Raza Baig, to carry out the asbestos clear-up. Neither Mr Baig, nor his company, held a licence to work with asbestos.
Sohan Group Limited and Maize Metals Limited were both fined for breaching regulations at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 6.
Mr Baig pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 15(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 by virtue of Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
He was sentenced to 26 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, made subject to an electronically monitored curfew and he was made the subject of a disqualification order.
The dangers of asbestos exposure
HSE Inspector, Rob Gidman, said: “Asbestos is a Class 1 carcinogen which is known to kill around 20 tradespeople each week due to past exposure.
“By failing to ensure the demolition was properly planned and managed, considering the presence of asbestos on site, these companies and Mr Baig put workers and members of the public at risk of being exposed to a substance known to cause fatal lung disease.
“This case should serve as a reminder to those engaged in demolition and refurbishment work that they have responsibilities when it comes to managing the risks associated with asbestos.”
