Asons Solicitors Comment on Health board fine for asbestos failings
Bolton, United Kingdom (PRWEB UK) 1 July 2013 -- Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that the Greater Glasgow & Clyde NHS had failed to properly manage the risks of asbestos in a plant room of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Yorkhill Hospital) in Glasgow.(1)
The court was informed that a survey in February 2009 had indicated a presence of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) throughout the plant room. During the survey it was discovered that the ACMs were in good condition and presented a low risk to the hospital staff. The survey recommended the ACMs should be labelled and their condition monitored so any future deterioration could be carefully monitored.(1)
In January 2011 a follow up survey of the plant room was carried out before an installation of a new MRI. This additional survey found that some of the ACMs were in a much worse condition and now posed a high risk. Immediate removal and environmental cleaning of the area was recommended.(1)
During the survey air and swab samples for asbestos fibres came back positive; the plant room was then sealed off and the matter reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Those exposed to these fibres could be entitled to asbestosis compensation in the future.(1)
An investigation by the HSE soon after found that the health board had taken no action as a result of the 2009 survey, and no effort was made to monitor the ACMs within the plant room. The ACMs had not been appropriately labelled and nothing had been done over the following two years to maintain the good condition of the materials.(1)
The 2011 survey showed their condition had deteriorated, from good and low risk to poor and high risk, but it was not known precisely how or when the ACMs had been damaged.(1)
The court also heard that employees of the health board and outside contractors regularly had to access the plant room and could have potentially been exposed to the harmful asbestos fibres whilst carrying out maintenance work.(1)
Thomas Fairclough, Asons Executive stated that:
“Asbestos Related Illnesses can lead to a slow painful death and can take up to 40 years to show symptoms. If a member of staff has been exposed to asbestos fibres they may be entitled to make an asbestos claim in the future.”
Greater Glasgow Health Board was fined £6,000 after pleading guilty to a breach of Regulation 4(10) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. (SCO/015/13)(1)
Following the case, HSE Inspector Eve Macready, said:
"The dangers posed by the presence of asbestos are clear. There is no known ‘safe limit’ and it is often many years after exposure before asbestos-related illness appears, so it is important that exposure to asbestos fibres is kept to an absolute minimum.”(1)
"Glasgow Health Board failed in its duty to properly manage the risks of asbestos in its premises and as a result a number of employees and external contractors have potentially been exposed to harmful fibres."(1)
Asons Solicitors suggest that if someone would like to learn more about the asbestos claims process, or if they would like to better understand asbestosis compensation, that the information is available at http://www.asons.co.uk, or via an expert helpline on 01204 521 133
(1) Health board fined for asbestos failings - http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2013/rnn-sco-01513.htm - June 2013-06-24
Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.
For further information contact:
Email: info(at)asons(dot)co(dot)uk
Website: http://www.asons.co.uk
John King, Asons Solicitors, http://www.asons.co.uk, 08448 408 012, [email protected]
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