A construction firm has been fined £1,000 for failing to warn
its employees about the presence of asbestos at a work site, even
though tests were carried out and highlighted the location of the
dangerous material, it has been revealed.
Stratford-upon-Avon Magistrates' Court heard that managers at
Greswolde Construction sent workers out to prepare an area of
Rokeby Primary School in Rugby ahead of a planned extension.
The managers were found to be aware that asbestos was present
while the men were at work, and children were in nearby classrooms,
increasing their chances of picking up
asbestos diseases.
The Solihull-based company admitted breaching regulations
surrounding the control of asbestos. As well as the fine,
Greswolde, or Station Road, Knowle, was told to pay £2,268 for
prosecution costs.
Paul Cooper, a health and safety inspector, said: "The dangers
of asbestos are well known in the building industry, so for the
managers of Greswolde Construction not to inform their employees of
its presence shows a complete disregard for their safety and well
being."