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UK News - Breaking news in the field of health and safety
Fines for asbestos error companies
Two companies have been fined for breaches of health and safety legislation following the exposure of asbestos when cables were laid during the filming of the first series of Fame Academy in the basement of property on Highgate West Hill, Camden, between 12th August 2002 and 12th February 2003. None of the participants in the programme are believed to have been exposed to the asbestos.At the City of London Magistrates' Court Endemol UK plc, a television production company based in Shepherds Bush, London W14, pleaded guilty to two charges: a breach of S.2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, for failing to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees so far as was reasonably practicable (fined £8,000), and for a breach of r.8(1)(a) of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987 for failing to prevent exposure of asbestos to employees and non-employees (fined £2,000). Endemol must also meet costs of £3,611.Property management company, Foilhope Ltd. of Highgate, London N6, pleaded guilty to a breach of S.3(1) of Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 for failing to ensure that people not in their employment were not exposed to risks to their health, safety and welfare associated with asbestos, and were fined £8,000 with costs of £2,517.
"This case highlights the importance of managing the risk from asbestos, in line with the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002, particularly the need to act on information and communicate the risk between parties. At least 3,500 people in Great Britain die each year from mesothelioma and asbestos related lung cancer as a result of past exposure to asbestos.
Annual numbers of deaths are predicted to go on rising into the next decade. If the risk from asbestos is not managed and information is not passed on, workers will continue to be needlessly exposed. Workers involved in working on the fabric of a building, for example in refurbishment, repair or maintenance, such as plumbers, carpenters and electricians, are particularly at risk from exposure. The case also highlights the financial cost to companies of not acting to manage asbestos. Endemol was required to spend £175,000 decontaminating the basement of the building." - investigating HM Inspector of Health & Safety.
