A Marlborough construction firm has been fined $318,750 for exposing workers and potentially the public to risks from asbestos.
Crafar Crouch Construction displayed "appalling" negligence in demolishing two buildings containing asbestos, says WorkSafe. Photo: 1markim/123RF
Crafar Crouch Construction has been sentenced in the Blenheim District Court on charges brought by WorkSafe, which described the company's negligence and disregard for worker health as "appalling".
The breaches of the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) rules were in relation to the demolition of two properties in central Blenheim.
WorkSafe said in a statement the dangers associated with asbestos exposure were still not being adequately managed by those in the demolition business.
It said the company's conduct in demolishing two fire-damaged buildings in 2016 and 2017 put at risk some of its workers and potentially exposed members of the public to asbestos.
WorkSafe said it was notified of concerns relating to both sites, but only after the demolitions had taken place. Testing of the sites found asbestos had been present during the demolition of the buildings.
Head of specialist interventions Simon Humphries said an investigation found Crafar Crouch had failed to adequately test for the presence of asbestos in the buildings before they began demolition.
The company also failed to appropriately manage the risk of asbestos in the process of demolishing the buildings and disposing of the rubble.
"We found that workers had not worn appropriate respiratory personal protective equipment, which is absolutely mandatory in asbestos management," Mr Humphries said.
"Workers were seen picking through the last of the rubble by hand with only gloves to protect them from the respirable fibres."
Mr Humphries said they were alarmed that the company appeared to show no concern over the possibility that asbestos was present on the jobs.
"That is startling in a company that regularly undertakes such work.
"Asbestos is a well-known risk for those in the demolition business and should have been well known by the director of Crafar Crouch, who was responsible for the demolitions and who held a certificate of competence for asbestos removal at the time of the demolition," Mr Humphries said.
WorkSafe said that around 170 people died every year from asbestos-related diseases.
"The utter negligence displayed by Crafar Crouch and their disregard for worker health is appalling."
New regulations for the management of asbestos removal were introduced in April 2018.
WorkSafe said Crafar Crouch did not currently hold a relevant license for asbestos removal work.