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Jailed after exposing refurb workers to Asbestos
Two Stoke-on-Trent brothers with little experience of
construction have been jailed after they exposed workers to
asbestos.
At least seven workers are known to have been exposed to
asbestos - one aged just 17 at the time - by Akram Hussain, 52, of
City Road, and Inam Hussain, 47, of Boughey Road, during
refurbishment work at a former print works since February 2012.
Stafford Crown Court heard that neither was qualified or
experienced in construction, demolition or refurbishment work; nor
were they licensed to remove asbestos.
Akram Hussain is a snooker hall manager and Inam Hussain a taxi
driver, although they have been carrying out the work on the
building for around ten years.
Despite repeated visits from HSE inspectors and numerous
enforcement notices warning them of their failings, the brothers
continued to refurbish the building and disturb asbestos material -
putting workers at risk.
Several lorry-loads of waste contaminated with asbestos were
removed from the site and taken to an unlicensed waste disposal
site in Stoke-on-Trent.
Workers were also witnessed exiting the site covered in dust and
not wearing the correct protective clothing.
Many more could have been exposed during the course of the
refurbishment project.
Akram Hussain was given a custodial sentence of 22 months and
ordered to pay costs of £43,000.
Inam Hussain was given a custodial sentence of 14 months.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Lindsay Hope said:
"The Hussains have shown a willful disregard for the health and
safety of workers and others.
"Our investigation uncovered a catalogue of serious errors,
safety failings and a disregard of the laws around the safe and
correct removal of asbestos.
"This was an appalling case of failing to properly plan, manage
and resource this project, which led to workers being exposed to
risks to their health from asbestos."
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