The HSA Gets Tough in the Face of Multiple Non Compliance Cases

9 Jul 2018

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) of Ireland works closely with asbestos companies and construction firms alike to ensure that when asbestos is discovered during refurbishment and demolition works, lives are not put at risk unnecessarily due to non compliance with the stringent asbestos regulations that exist.

In its capacity as the governing authority of all things relating to safety in construction, the HSA recently had to publish an edict relating to current practices in Ireland. It stated that due to having to intervene in a number of cases where lack of understanding and poor practice have necessitated formal enforcement action to be implemented, they felt it necessary to re-emphasise the importance of respecting asbestos whenever it is discovered and taking appropriate and immediate action.

So lax had things become, that a number of the cases mentioned have required cessation of work notices until a competent and qualified professional was able to found to take charge of the situation.

Tough Penalties

What the HSA was also at pains to point out was that those companies who fail to take appropriate action to safeguard everyone from the harmful effects of inhaling carcinogenic asbestos fibres when its presence is suspected, will not only face prosecution, but also be faced with major project delays and a hugely expensive clean up operation into the bargain.

Asbestos abatement is an extremely important aspect of construction, especially as buildings that predate the ban in at the turn of the century are known to contain much of the substance. This should not be a surprise to those working in construction, which is why all professionals including architects, designers, engineers and project supervisors are all deemed as liable in the event of works not being compliant with the current asbestos regulations.

It goes without saying that the main drive behind actions like these is the prevention of risk of exposure to asbestos fibres and to the high risk of developing mesothelioma, an extremely aggressive form of lung cancer.

The work we do at OHSS Safety Consultants is very much in line with the role of the HSA, as we do a great deal to assist our clients in all matters relating to safe asbestos removal and disposal. Since 2001, we have been ensuring projects stay compliant with the law and free from unnecessary risk.

For more information on the work we do and for more details about anything described here, please visit our website www.ohss.ie or call us now on 01 6905907 for a chat with one of our friendly, knowledgeable team.

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