A property management company in Peterborough was sentenced on 2 August 2018 for failing to carry out an asbestos survey prior to undertaking extensive refurbishment works.
Huntingdon Magistrates' Court heard how, between April and May 2017, Thistlemoor Healthcare and Management Ltd carried out construction work at two properties. One of these was part of a medical centre in Peterborough. During this time, the company failed to carry out any asbestos survey for either property, both of which were likely to contain the dangerous substance.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company had undertook and subsequently carried out construction during the strip out and part demolition of these two properties, which was likely to disturb the asbestos containing materials whilst they were working. The company pleaded guilty to breaching the Control of Asbestos Regulations SI 2012/632. They were fined £15,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,805.60.
Commenting after the hearing, HSE inspector Samantha Wells said: "The risk of exposure to asbestos could so easily have been avoided if the company had carried out suitable and sufficient asbestos assessment to identify the presence of asbestos within properties prior to commencing refurbishment work," and that " Companies should be aware the HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards."
