Doorbell-cam footage released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) shows two workers clearing asbestos debris from a garden and disposing of it in domestic waste bins.
Stephen Wilks, trading as S Wilks Roofing, pleaded guilty to breaching asbestos safety regulations after work carried out under his control led to the contamination of a residential area with asbestos-containing materials.
Wilks had been commissioned by a property management company to replace asbestos cement roof sheets on three garages off Green Walk in Bowden, Altrincham, in February 2022.
The HSE began an investigation after a local resident raised concerns about debris that had fallen into their garden during the work. Analysis confirmed that the debris contained chrysotile asbestos.
HSE inspectors discovered ripped bags of asbestos waste stored in a publicly accessible area in front of the garages, with asbestos-containing materials spilling onto the ground and contaminating nearby undergrowth.
Personal belongings contaminated
Further investigation revealed that residents’ personal belongings stored in the garages had also been contaminated.
Wilks pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) and Regulation 16 of The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which require proper planning and precautions to prevent exposure to and spread of asbestos during non-licensed work.
He was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work and was ordered to pay £3,582.13 in costs at a hearing at Ashton-Under-Lyne Magistrates Court on 28 March 2025.
The property management company subsequently arranged for a licensed asbestos removal contractor to safely collect the waste and thoroughly clean the affected areas.
HSE inspector Phil Redman said: “This was a serious incident that put Mr Wilks, those working under his control, and members of the public, at risk from the potential harmful effects of being exposed to asbestos-containing materials.
“Duty holders are reminded to ensure they fully control the risks associated with the removal of asbestos-containing materials that do not require removal by a licensed asbestos removal contractor.”
