The owner of a Welshpool-based window and conservatory installation company has been fined for failing to protect its workers from exposure to asbestos.

Four employees were exposed while removing soffits on a property at Chirbury Gate, Montgomery, Powys, between 16 and 17 June 2009.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Philip Leslie Davies, (54), trading as Meadow View Windows and Conservatories, had failed to take effective measures to prevent or reduce his employees being exposed to the potentially deadly substance.

Mr Davies, of Shrewsbury, admitted exposing employees to asbestos, failing to carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment, and failing to ensure adequate information, instruction and training was provided to employees.

He was charged with breaching of Regulations 5, 10(1) and 11(1)(a) of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006.

He was fined a total of £3,000 (£1,000 for each charge) and ordered to pay costs of £1,615 at Welshpool Magistrates Court on 19 November 2010

HSE inspector Chris Wilcox said:

“Four of Mr Davies’ employees were exposed to asbestos in circumstances that were wholly avoidable.

“They now have to live with the fear of becoming ill with a life-threatening lung disease.

“Those working in the roofline products industry must check for the presence of asbestos and be fully aware of the legal requirements for working with asbestos-containing materials.”

Asbestos is the biggest single cause of work-related deaths in the UK, with an estimated 4,000 people dying every year. Information on working safely with asbestos is available at www.hse.go.uk/asbestos^[1]

The court also ordered the defendant to pay a separate £15 victim surcharge, the proceeds of which will be spent on services for victims and witnesses.

Source: HSE – 19/11/2010

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