Firm prosecuted over inadequate equipment

A company has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) over its failure to provide the right equipment and clothing to its staff when working in an environment known to contain asbestos.

The HSE took action against Simons Construction for failing to provide adequate face masks or protective workwear.

It meant the staff working at the hospital in Northamptonshire were left with fibres on their clothes, increasing the risk of ingesting dangerous particles.

An insulation firm was also fined for failing to establish the full quantity of asbestos in the area when it carried out an inspection.

HSE inspector Martin Giles said: "It is vital that work with asbestos is properly planned and supervised and that workers are made aware of the dangers and given the correct protective equipment and training to prevent exposure."

Earlier this week the HSE announced it had prosecuted two firms at fault for allowing asbestos-containing material to lie exposed to the air in a mill in Bolton, where several small firms have premises.

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