The Construction industry

If you intend on carrying out major works on your business premises then you need to consider the risks to your workforce and any electricians, builders or plumbers you may contract. This is largely because asbestos is widely present in buildings constructed prior to 2000.

Before any maintenance and/or construction work commences on your premises a survey ought to be carried out to ensure whether there is asbestos present. If so you must take the necessary precautions or risk being the subject of a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspection and costly personal injury litigation.

A UK pub operator who exposed workers to potentially deadly asbestos fibres was fined in total £25,000. The pub operator knew there was asbestos in the building and should have ensured that all the areas where work was to be done had been checked for asbestos and precautions put in place.

In addition construction and maintenance workers should have asbestos awareness training so that they can recognise that some materials may contain asbestos and what action to take.

It is imperative you seek legal advice to ensure you are not breaching any sections of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 or the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006.