Why this HSE prosecution matters

A recent HSE prosecution is a reminder that asbestos remains one of the most serious health risks in UK construction and demolition work.

The HSE prosecuted two companies and a site manager after unsafe demolition and asbestos clearance work at a Cannock site exposed workers and members of the public to potential asbestos exposure.

According to HSE, demolition work continued despite asbestos being identified, and an unlicensed contractor was later used for asbestos clearance activities.

The result was major enforcement action, fines, reputational damage and criminal sanctions.

But the wider issue is bigger than one site.

This case highlights common failures that still appear across construction, refurbishment, facilities management and demolition projects:

• Weak planning
• Generic RAMS
• Poor contractor management
• Inadequate asbestos surveys
• Missing competence checks
• Weak supervision
• Poor public protection controls

These failures are avoidable.

What went wrong?

HSE found several serious failings.

The client had commissioned an asbestos management survey before demolition started. The survey identified asbestos-containing materials.

Despite this, demolition work still proceeded.

HSE also found:

• A principal contractor had not been properly appointed
• Demolition planning was inadequate
• A licensed asbestos contractor was not used
• Asbestos controls were insufficient
• Competence requirements were ignored
• Exposure risks were not properly managed

This created potential exposure risks for:

• Workers
• Contractors
• Site visitors
• Nearby members of the public

The case is a clear reminder that asbestos is not “old news”.

It remains a live legal, operational and reputational risk.

Who is affected?

SMEs

Smaller businesses often assume asbestos risks only apply to major demolition firms.

That is incorrect.

Any contractor disturbing older buildings could encounter asbestos.

SMEs must ensure:

• Surveys are reviewed properly
• RAMS are site-specific
• Workers understand asbestos risks
• Licensed contractors are used where required
• Documentation is retained

One incident can severely affect cashflow, insurance and future work opportunities.

Medium Businesses

Medium-sized firms often rely heavily on subcontractors.

The risk comes when subcontractor competence is assumed instead of checked.

Businesses should verify:

• Training
• Licences
• Supervision
• Surveys
• Method statements
• Insurance
• Monitoring records

Large Businesses

Larger organisations face increased enforcement, governance and reputational exposure.

They must ensure asbestos controls work consistently across:

• Sites
• Regions
• Supply chains
• Principal contractor arrangements
• Refurbishment projects

Internal audits and operational assurance become critical.

Multinationals

Multinational firms must maintain consistent standards across international supply chains and property portfolios.

Weak asbestos controls can affect:

• ESG reporting
• Procurement frameworks
• Investor confidence
• Public reputation
• Insurance exposure

Contractors and Subcontractors

Contractors must never assume a building is asbestos-free.

Before work starts they should confirm:

• Survey status
• Scope of works
• Isolation controls
• Waste handling
• Emergency arrangements
• Competence requirements

Subcontractors should never be pressured into unsafe work.

Public Sector Bodies

Public-sector clients have strong legal and procurement responsibilities.

They should ensure suppliers can demonstrate:

• Competence
• Asbestos management arrangements
• CDM compliance
• Training records
• Audit evidence
• Correct contractor appointments

Procurement should focus on evidence, not just policies.

Practical Actions Businesses Should Take Now

1. Review asbestos survey arrangements

Ensure surveys are current, suitable and reviewed before work begins.

2. Verify contractor competence

Check licences, training, experience and supervision arrangements.

3. Strengthen CDM compliance

Ensure principal contractor and dutyholder responsibilities are clearly assigned.

4. Improve RAMS quality

Generic RAMS create risk. Documents must reflect the real site and actual work.

5. Audit demolition and refurbishment controls

Check whether procedures are actually being followed on site.

6. Improve supervision

Supervisors should understand asbestos risks and escalation procedures.

7. Record actions properly

Track findings, corrective actions and evidence closure.

How TPMG Can Help

TPMG helps organisations identify safety and compliance gaps before they become enforcement cases.

Relevant TPMG services include:

• Asbestos compliance reviews
• Contractor and subcontractor assurance
• CDM compliance support
• RAMS reviews and development
• ISO 45001 internal audits
• Site inspections and operational assurance
• Health & safety training
• Competence management
• Incident recovery support
• Digital compliance dashboards
• Public-sector supplier assurance

TPMG helps organisations move from “we think we are compliant” to “we can evidence compliance”.

Need confidence that your asbestos controls, contractor management and CDM arrangements are robust?

Speak to TPMG about asbestos compliance reviews, RAMS support, ISO 45001 audits, contractor assurance and operational risk management.