Site supervisor fined after asbestos breach at school
A construction site supervisor has been fined after his actions led to staff and pupils at a primary school being exposed to asbestos fibres during refurbishment work.
The incident occurred during the refurbishment of a primary school kitchen. The supervisor, overseeing the project, used a circular saw to cut through an asbestos insulating board (AIB) – a material well known for its high asbestos content and serious health risks.
As a result, asbestos fibres were released into the air and spread throughout the adjoining school hall. Unaware of the contamination, staff and pupils continued to use the hall for the next two days, potentially exposing dozens of people to the harmful material.
Investigation and findings
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the supervisor had failed to follow basic asbestos safety protocols and ignored clear warnings not to disturb the wall.
Despite having received asbestos awareness training, which clearly outlined the dangers of asbestos and the procedures to follow when it’s suspected or known to be present, the supervisor chose to proceed with the work in a manner that directly violated these instructions.
HSE inspectors determined that this failure demonstrated a serious disregard for health and safety standards, particularly given that the work took place in a school environment where children and staff were at risk.
Legal outcome
The site supervisor was prosecuted for breaching Section 7(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which requires employees to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their actions at work.
He pleaded guilty and was fined £1,800, ordered to pay £4,000 in costs, and given a £720 victim surcharge. The court highlighted that the incident could have had far more serious consequences had the asbestos exposure gone unnoticed any longer.
Understanding asbestos risk
Asbestos was widely used in buildings constructed before 2000, particularly in insulation, ceiling tiles, and fireproofing materials. When disturbed, asbestos releases microscopic fibres that can be inhaled deep into the lungs, leading to diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma – often decades after exposure.
While not all asbestos work requires a licence, the HSE mandates that certain types of high-risk asbestos work, including most involving asbestos insulating board, must be carried out by a licensed contractor. This ensures that appropriate controls, protective equipment, and decontamination procedures are followed.
Preventing future incidents
This case serves as a stark reminder that asbestos awareness alone isn’t enough – it must be matched by strict compliance with safety instructions and robust site supervision.
If you suspect asbestos may be present in your premises:
- Do not attempt to remove or disturb it yourself.
- Arrange for an asbestos survey by a competent professional.
- Use licensed contractors for removal or management work.
- Ensure all workers have up-to-date asbestos awareness training and understand how to identify and respond to potential asbestos materials.
Final thoughts
The health implications of asbestos exposure are severe and long-lasting, and incidents like this highlight the importance of vigilance, training, and adherence to safety protocols.
Cutting corners not only endangers lives but can also result in criminal prosecution and significant financial penalties.
If asbestos is identified or suspected in your building, always engage an accredited asbestos management or removal contractor to handle it safely and in compliance with HSE regulations.
If you’re concerned about asbestos risks, contact us at 01772 736522 for advice and support.