Case Study 2: Asbestos Risk
Managing Asbestos Risk During Re-Cladding Works
Industry
Construction - Sub-Contractor
Service
On-Site Support
Risk focus
Abestos Risk
Location
Ipswich
Context
PCS was supporting a subcontractor appointed to undertake re-cladding works for a principal contractor on an occupied building. The project involved intrusive works to the external fabric of the structure, with programme pressure to commence works promptly.
Context
PCS was supporting a subcontractor appointed to undertake re-cladding works for a principal contractor on an occupied building. The project involved intrusive works to the external fabric of the structure, with programme pressure to commence works promptly.
The Challenge
During a routine site inspection, a PCS health & safety representative identified the presence of significant asbestos-containing materials within the building fabric. This posed a serious risk to operatives and others on site if works were to proceed without appropriate controls.
The issue had been overlooked amid programme pressure, and there was a clear risk that continuing works would result in regulatory enforcement, immediate site shutdown by the HSE, and significant financial and reputational consequences for those involved.
Key Risks Identified
- Fall from height
- Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs)
- Structural Instability
- Fire Risk
- Public & occupant safety
- Programme pressure/unsafe start
The Challenge
During a routine site inspection, a PCS health & safety representative identified the presence of significant asbestos-containing materials within the building fabric. This posed a serious risk to operatives and others on site if works were to proceed without appropriate controls.
The issue had been overlooked amid programme pressure, and there was a clear risk that continuing works would result in regulatory enforcement, immediate site shutdown by the HSE, and significant financial and reputational consequences for those involved.
Key Risks Identified
- Fall from height
- Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs)
- Structural Instability
- Fire Risk
- Public & occupant safety
- Programme pressure/unsafe start
Our Approach
PCS acted decisively but proportionately. The health & safety representative worked closely with the subcontractor’s site manager to ensure the risk was clearly understood and appropriately escalated.
It became apparent that the principal contractor was not previously aware of the asbestos risk. Once informed, they engaged promptly to address the issue in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Advising on the immediate suspension of affected works
- Supporting the safe and orderly removal of operatives from site
- Assisting the site manager in escalating the issue to the principal contractor
- Providing clear, factual guidance to support informed conversations at senior level
The Outcome
- Operatives were removed from potential exposure in a controlled and appropriate manner
- The asbestos risk was formally assessed and managed by the principal contractor
- No enforcement action was taken, and no exposure incidents occurred
- Works were able to resume within days in a safe, compliant, and controlled environment
- The subcontractor avoided significant financial and reputational risk
This intervention demonstrated the value of experienced, site-based health & safety support, ensuring the right decisions were made at the right time, even under commercial pressure.
The Outcome
- Operatives were removed from potential exposure in a controlled and appropriate manner
- The asbestos risk was formally assessed and managed by the principal contractor
- No enforcement action was taken, and no exposure incidents occurred
- Works were able to resume within days in a safe, compliant, and controlled environment
- The subcontractor avoided significant financial and reputational risk
This intervention demonstrated the value of experienced, site-based health & safety support, ensuring the right decisions were made at the right time, even under commercial pressure.