Firm facing asbestos fine
A company looks likely to be fined a minimum of £20,000 after it failed to remove asbestos from a Black Country unit.
There are fears PWM Environmental Services in Halesowen could be forced into liquidation if it is hit with the hefty penalty.
John Mills, the boss of the firm, which is a subsidiary company of P W Mills (Cradley Limited), appeared at Walsall Magistrates Court yesterday where he admitted three counts of contravening health and safety regulations and one of an employee breaching general duty of work.
Mike Ford, prosecuting on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive, said the company was called out to the Crescent Works Industrial Park in Darlaston after being informed asbestos debris had been discovered in units two and three which were vacant at the time.
The firm was called out on December 15 to remove it but a month later, when GP Batteries was due to move into the building, tests revealed the material was still evident.
"The asbestos clean up operation had clearly not been carried out properly," said Mr Ford.
"Asbestos is a very dangerous material and this could have had very serious consequences." Separate charges have been brought against a former employee of the company. Mr Ford praised company director Mr Mills for working with the health and safety executive. Julia Powell, defending, said the family-run business, which is based in Bassett Road and has been operating for 50 years, could be forced into liquidation due to the proceedings. "This has had a dramatic impact on the company," she said.
"When this came to light the company immediately took steps to remedy the situation. This has had a devastating impact on the company which could be forced into liquidation."
Magistrates said their powers of punishment were insufficient and sent the case to Wolverhampton Crown Court. The company will face sentence on June 16. The minimum fine in such cases is £20,000.
