The High Cost of Unsafe Asbestos Handling

A recent court ruling has underscored the critical need for safe asbestos removal practices.

Recent Prosecutions

Several recent prosecutions have targeted businesses and self-employed individuals who failed to follow the law when handling asbestos. In addition to fines and negative publicity, these violations have caused harm to individuals and communities.

The Risks

The risks of asbestos exposure are not just long-term health concerns—they can also come at a hefty price for your business.

Asbestos exposure remains the leading cause of work-related deaths in Great Britain. If disturbed, harmful asbestos fibres are released into the air, and inhaling them can lead to fatal diseases. The onset of symptoms often takes decades, and there is currently no cure for these diseases.

Safety Measures

It’s crucial to have the proper safety measures in place to protect both yourself and others. Stay informed about HSE's initiatives and resources aimed at improving asbestos safety awareness, including:

• Asbestos and You: Designed for tradespeople, this campaign highlights what to watch for and what steps to take if you encounter asbestos.

• Asbestos – Your Duty: Provides guidance for those responsible for maintaining and repairing non-domestic buildings.

Builder Fined for Unlicensed Asbestos Removal

A builder has been fined after carrying out unlicensed asbestos removal at a property in Cheadle, Manchester.

Gavin Mutch, trading under the name G Mutch Developments, was hired to complete renovations at the property, including roofing work. Despite the customer warning him about the potential presence of asbestos in the fascia boards, Mutch proceeded to remove the asbestos-containing material on September 8, 2022.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that Mutch had conducted the asbestos removal work without the necessary license, making his actions both illegal and unsafe. Asbestos removal must only be carried out by licensed contractors with the appropriate safety measures in place.

At Manchester Magistrates Court on April 8, 2025, Mutch pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. He was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order with 180 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £2,000 in costs.

HANDSAM RESOURCES

• GM05 Managing Asbestos;

• GM23 Asbestos Safety Information Handout;

• GM27 Asbestos Management Plan; and

• Example Management of Asbestos Policy

Asbestos can be found in buildings constructed before the year 2000 and can cause severe health conditions when disturbed. Workers in high-risk fields, such as construction, maintenance, demolition, and installation, are particularly vulnerable.

The HSE provides detailed guidance for both workers and employers on how to safely handle asbestos. This includes information on how to identify asbestos, what steps to take if you find it, and the safety protocols necessary when working with asbestos-containing materials. This guidance is readily available on the HSE website.

David Norton, HSE Inspector, commented: “This case underscores the vital need for our ‘Asbestos and You’ campaign. At HSE, we are committed to raising awareness about the importance of implementing proper safety controls when handling asbestos. Licensed asbestos removal requires specialized training, equipment, and procedures to ensure the safety of everyone involved.”

The prosecution was supported by HSE enforcement lawyer Samantha Crockett and paralegal officer Rebecca Withell.