GMB to call in HSE to Hounslow Council Subsidiary over workers exposure to asbestos
GMB to call in Health and Safety Executive to Hounslow Council Subsidiary over workers exposure to asbestos
No worker should be subjected to this type of culture, where the pound is worth more than the welfare and well-being of their employees says GMB LondonGMB, the union for workers employed as heating engineers by FM360 a subsidiary of Hounslow Councils in house Trading Company Lampton, have raised concerns with the Director of Housing regarding a recent serious incident concerning employees becoming exposed to asbestos whilst carrying out repair works in a residents property.
GMB understand that the employees unknowingly sawed through asbestos whilst carrying out the required work, under the false impression that FM360 had carried out the relevant checks and surveys to identify risk of exposure to asbestos regarding the work they were carrying out.
Further, GMB are given to understand following the incident, operatives requested that an asbestos survey should be carried out to identify if asbestos is present, they were advised that if FM360 were to carry out asbestos surveys, owing to the cost that the heating service would incur in carrying out this legal requirement would lead to the service being outsourced to a private provider.
Keith Williams, GMB Senior Organiser said:
“Serious questions need to be asked why FM360 did not carry out the relevant checks and surveys as legally required under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 in order to assess the risks and management of asbestos before the employees concerned were asked to undertake the work.
With regard to the threat of outsourcing the service, no worker should be subjected to this type of culture, where the pound is worth more than the welfare and well-being of their employees. No employer irrespective of who they are, can dismiss their Legal obligations under the Health & safety at Work Act.
GMB have advised the Council that unless confirmation is provided that the Councils in house Trading Company will be carrying out asbestos surveys in accordance with the procedures and regulations, GMB will have no alternative other than to raise this matter with the HSE.”
ENDS
Contact: Keith Williams on 07710 631339
