Britain Warns of Dangers of Working with Asbestos

Following a rash of fines imposed on companies who’ve illegally demolished buildings containing asbestos cement, Britain’s Health and Safety Executive has issued a warning asking construction and demolition companies to take “extra care” when working on structures that may contain the material.

The warning came on the heels of one such instance, after Wye Valley Demolition Ltd of St Weonards, Hereford, was fined £6,000 and asked to pay costs of £13,621.49 at Hereford Magistrates’ Court following the release of asbestos during the demolition of a former grain store building in Bodenham.

Instead of being removed under controlled circumstances, the asbestos in the old grain building was torn down and smashed to the ground by a piece of demolition machinery, spreading the hazardous material throughout the demolition site and putting workers and locals at risk.

Joy Jones, principal inspector for construction for the Health and Safety Executive issued this statement. “People working in the construction industry need to exercise caution when working in areas that may contain asbestos. Asbestos should not be treated lightly as it causes 3,500 deaths in Britain each year, with annual numbers predicted to go on rising into the next decade. All people working in areas that may contain asbestos need to be aware of the dangers to others and the financial penalties imposed if asbestos is mishandled. The risks from asbestos cement are lower than from other asbestos materials but contractors still need to take proper precautions.”

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