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27th March 2007

The GMB Northern is urging its members to be aware of the dangers of asbestos in the workplace

Removing Asbestos

Regional secretary of the GMB, Tom Brennan said: "Despite strict rules governing the use and removal of asbestos it is all too common to find the material dumped in unsafe environments.

"Unscrupulous companies think they can avoid the red tape and extra costs by not applying for a licence to remove asbestos when one is needed.

"GMB members should protect themselves by ensuring their employers are disposing of asbestos correctly. They should report any incidents of the incorrect disposal of asbestos to their union health and safety representative."

His comments come after North East Environmental Ltd, based in North Tyneside was fined £4,600 at North Shields Magistrates Courts for not holding a licence for the removal of asbestos.

The company was renovating the former Pipeline Centre at Harvey Combe, Killingworth between September 25 and October 10, 2006 at the time.

The company pleaded guilty at North Shields Magistrates Court earlier this month.

Director of the company Henry Robinson, of Holmlands, Monkseaton, was also fined £4,600 after he admitted a similar offence.

The company and Mr Robinson shared payment of court costs of £4,917.20.

Head of Asbestos Policy

Ian McFall, head of asbestos policy at Thompsons Solicitors, which represents many union members affected by asbestos related diseases said people are still being exposed to asbestos decades after it was recognised as a dangerous substance.

He said: "It is shocking that despite the strict regulations which apply to asbestos removal we are still hearing about incidents like this where employers fail to comply and are exposing innocent people to the risk of inhaling the dangerous dust.

"Trade unions play a vital role in educating workers about the dangers of asbestos, in campaigning to make sure health and safety legislation is enforced and fighting for compensation for members and their families.

"Asbestos is the single biggest industrial killer. The number of asbestos-related deaths is not expected to peak until 2010 but if companies continue to flout the rules it could continue to cause deaths well into 2050 and beyond."

Asbestos Exposure Compensation Advice

If you or someone you know believes that their working conditions have caused them to develop an asbestos related disease / asbestos related illness, telephone us now for asbestos exposure compensation advice from an expert asbestos solicitor.

There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim.  For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.

Thompsons' asbestos solicitors are expert in dealing with claims for asbestos related illnesses and we will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury solicitors will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.