The work took place at the Kelford School in Rotherham in 2006, with the workers hauled before Rotherham Magistrates’ Court last week.

Mansell Build, who then traded as previously Birse Build, of Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire, was fined £12,500 and ordered to pay £12,500 costs.

Andrew Brightmore, a former manager of ARB Agriplant was also fined £2,500 and ordered to pay £500 costs.

While, worker Gary Cusack was fined £500 and ordered to pay £250 costs, both are of Thurcroft in Rotherham.

Mansell Build, who was the principal contractor, carried out work to remove asbestos insulating board ceilings at the school.

The work should have been carried out by a contractor licensed by Health and Safety Executive HSE.

But the company contracted to carry out the work, ARB Agriplant, did not have a licence.

Now in administration ARB Agriplant then subcontracted the work to Gary Cusack, another unlicensed contractor.

Speaking after the case HSE inspector, David Bradley, said: “In this case, the contractors responsible put others in a dangerous situation, which could have been avoided had the work been carried out by a licensed contractor.

“Asbestos is the biggest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, which is why there are strict rules in place to prevent exposure.”

Luke Walsh

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