Two UK employees were recently exposed to workplace asbestos hazards after their employer, Mitchells and Butlers, mishandled work orders. Following a survey done by Mitchells and Butlers to locate asbestos risks, workers proceeded with instructions for repairs in a closed pub. The White Horse pub in Darlington was being refurbished to reopen.
When drilling began in the ceiling dust and debris fell onto the faces of the workers. After investigation by a Health and Safety Executive, the tiles were qualified as containing asbestos. Asbestos fibers cause severe respiratory conditions including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma cancer.
Although the survey had been done appropriately prior to start of the job, additional work was added to the order without another survey. Workers thought they were following safe instructions.
One worker, Jonathan Cook, said,
View the Original article