Contractor Faces Consequences for Asbestos Violations

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News Summary

A roofing contractor was prosecuted for serious breaches of asbestos safety regulations after unsafe disposal of hazardous materials endangered workers and local residents. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation uncovered negligence and resulted in a community service sentence for the contractor, emphasizing the vital need for strict adherence to safety protocols in the industry.

Self-Employed Contractor Faces Consequences for Asbestos Violations

In a shocking revelation, a self-employed roofing contractor has found himself in legal hot water for grossly breaching asbestos safety regulations. Stephen Wilks, trading as S Wilks Roofing, has been prosecuted following a disturbing incident that endangered both his young workers and local residents in a quiet neighborhood. The case has raised pressing questions about safety in the construction industry, especially when it comes to handling hazardous materials.

A Dangerous Breach of Protocols

The notorious events transpired in February 2022 when Wilks was hired by a property management company to replace parts of an old asbestos-laden roof on three garages situated off Green Walk in Bowden, Altrincham. Shocking video footage surfaced, revealing the unsafe disposal of obsolete asbestos roofing material. Residents were left horrified as debris fell into their gardens without any precautionary measures in place to contain it.

During the investigation launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it was confirmed that the debris contained chrysotile asbestos, a particularly hazardous form of the material. This situation demanded immediate attention as it posed significant risks not just to workers engaged in the project but also to innocent bystanders in the surrounding area.

Concerns Raised Prompt HSE Investigation

A local resident, concerned for their safety and that of their children, reported the disturbing scene to relevant authorities. Investigators soon uncovered ripped bags filled with asbestos waste, carelessly stored in a publicly exposed area. The situation escalated as they found asbestos materials spilling onto the ground, contaminating nearby undergrowth and posing a further health hazard. Alarmingly, personal belongings stored in the garages were also confirmed to have been affected by asbestos waste.

Wilks was not acting alone. Under his supervision, two young workers were filmed attempting to clear the hazardous debris from a neighboring garden, only to improperly dispose of it in ordinary waste bins. Such reckless actions not only violated safety protocols but also endangered the wider community.

Consequences for Wilks

Following the investigation, prosecution was inevitable. Wilks pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) and Regulation 16 of The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. These regulations emphasize the need for proper planning and safety measures to prevent exposure to and the spread of asbestos during non-licensed work. On March 28, 2025, Wilks faced the consequences in a hearing at Ashton-Under-Lyne Magistrates Court. He was sentenced to a 12-month community order that includes 200 hours of unpaid community service, alongside an order to pay £3,582.13 in legal costs.

Highlighting the Importance of Safety Standards

The outcome of this case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to health and safety regulation standards. The HSE has emphasized the grave risks posed by asbestos exposure for both workers and the public. It is essential that those in the construction, maintenance, demolition, and installation sectors receive adequate training and understand the profound responsibility that comes with handling such hazardous materials.

As Global Asbestos Awareness Week commenced on April 1, the HSE released the damning video footage to promote awareness surrounding the dangers of asbestos exposure and the necessity for effective compliance with safety protocols. The shocking negligence showcased in this case should serve as a wake-up call for all individuals and companies involved in asbestos-related work to ensure they are fully informed of, and compliant with, necessary regulations to safeguard health and communities.