UPDATE: |Builder fined over ‘biggest workplace killer in Britain’ News

Gavin Mutch carried out ‘unlicensed asbestos removal work’

A builder who removed asbestos from a roof despite not being licenced to do so has been fined after an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive.

The HSE said Gavin Mutch carried out ‘unlicensed asbestos removal work’ at a house in Cheadle, Stockport. Mutch – trading as G Mutch Developments – had been contracted to carry out renovations at the property, including roofing work.

But the HSE said despite being warned by the customer asbestos was potentially present in the fascia boards, he proceeded to remove the asbestos-containing materials on September 8, 2022.

A spokesperson said: “An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Mr Mutch had carried out unlicensed, and therefore illegal, asbestos removal work. This type of work should only be undertaken by a licensed asbestos contractor with appropriate safety controls in place.”

Asbestos is usually found in buildings built before 2000 and is still the biggest workplace killer in Britain, causing around 5,000 deaths every year, the national workplace health and safety regulator said. When disturbed, asbestos releases tiny fibres that can cause fatal lung diseases and cancers.

Mutch, from Cheadle Hulme, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at Manchester Magistrates Court on April 8. He was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order with 180 hours of unpaid work in the community, together with £2,000 in costs.

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The HSE said the case highlighted the importance of its current ‘asbestos and you’ campaign, which reminds tradespeople about the dangers of asbestos and the importance of working safely with it.

The regulator also provides comprehensive guidance for workers and employers about working safely with asbestos on its website. This includes information on how to identify asbestos, what to do if you find it, and the appropriate safety measures needed when working with or around asbestos-containing materials.

HSE inspector David Norton said: “We want to raise awareness across the industry about the importance of having suitable control measures in place when working with asbestos-containing materials. Licensed work requires specific training, equipment and practices to ensure safety.”