Restoration Firm Puts the Lives of Workers and Public at Risk after asbestos exposure

Lincolnshire-based firm J Hodgson and Sons put the lives of their employees and the public at risk after upsetting asbestos infused insulation board, whilst refurbishing the former White Hart pub in Southgate.

A surveyor noted the mistake and immediately contacted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) who served J Hodgson and Sons with a  Prohibition Notice, preventing further work being carried out on-site. It was found that the removal of these materials was not carried out with the help of a licensed asbestos removal company, and that the insulation board was placed in a skip in a “busy thoroughfare” according to the HSE; exposing workers and passersby in the area to deadly asbestos fibres.

The Lincoln magistrates court ordered that J Hodgson and Sons pay costs of £2,000 as well as a fine of £2,000 for their breach of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006; where they failed to prevent asbestos exposure and its spread. These regulations state that the employer should reduce exposure as much as is reasonably practicable and J Hodgson and Sons neglected this duty of care.

HSE inspector Sam Russell stated after the hearing:
“Asbestos is still prevalent in many buildings and has to be managed correctly. Operatives and companies must be trained to work with this potentially deadly material to make sure no-one is put at risk.”

Maureen Ferguson, the Industrial Disease Manager at Asons Solicitors added that:
"This exposure could have dire consequences, but the implications of exposure won’t make themselves known for a further 10 - 30 years until the damage is done. It isn’t unreasonable to assume that a wave of mesothelioma claims or cases for asbestosis compensation could surface as a result of this incident.

“This is why it is critical that employer’s abide by health and safety guidelines whilst following the regulations and advice provided by the HSE. The severity of the fine in my view doesn’t reflect the gravity of the health and safety breach committed”  

The rate of asbestos related illness diagnosis looks set to grow until 2016, but the only way to dampen the growing trend is for employers to take all the necessary measures to prevent asbestos exposure. For those that do not, they risk involvement in cases for mesothelioma compensation as well as for claims for a variety of other asbestos related illnesses.

“Here at Asons Solicitors we understand that suffering from an asbestos related illness can be frustrating and difficult. Mesothelioma is quite rare, but we frequently deal with asbestosis claims and cases for pleural thickening compensation; so we would advise anyone who has been exposed, to seek out the aid of a Personal Injury Solicitor in case they are entitled to make a claim” adds Ms Ferguson.    

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About Asons Solicitors:
Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.

For further information contact:
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Contact Information

Imran Akram

Managing Director

Asons Solicitors

(44) 844 850 1062

imran.akram@asons.co.uk