Contractor boss fined after asbestos exposure

A Preston-based contractor has been fined £10,000 after exposing two workers from another company to asbestos.

Preston Magistrates Court found Mr Mustaq Bargit, trading as M and M Builders, guilty of a charge under Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 after he allowed work to proceed on site before an asbestos survey was completed.

During a visit, HSE inspectors became concerned that asbestos was present on the site, which was later confirmed.

Bargit was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,137.73.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) warned companies that they should ensure the safety not just of their own workers but also of non-employees during their work activity.

HSE inspector Joanne Eccles said: "Mr Bargit had been made aware of the possible presence of asbestos but failed to take the proper precautions necessary to deal with this danger."