Kent County Council breaches Health and Safety legislation and is fined £200,000

Kent County Council has pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 10(1) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 after an asbestos rope was found hanging from the ceiling of a primary school.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the asbestos rope had been attached to a steriliser unit which had been removed 18 months previously by the school caretaker. The removal of the unit caused the asbestos rope to be disturbed.

The HSE found that the council failed to effectively prevent exposure to asbestos and failed to provide suitable training to those liable to be exposed to asbestos. The caretaker nor the head teacher had any asbestos management or awareness training.

George Green’s Regulatory and Licensing Partner, James Lowe stated “This fine reflects the penalties that now are being handed down for breaches of health and safety legislation.  Organisations should ensure that their procedures and training are robust and appropriately implemented across their organisation.”

 

If you should have any questions about your legal obligations in relation to health and safety in the workplace and need a specialist solicitor, call James Lowe, our Regulatory and Licensing Partner on 07833 240 400 for advice and assistance.