The Netherlands Labour Authority has suspended the work of asbestos remediation contractors at 5 different sites in Limburg. This was necessary because there was an immediate risk to employees, including potential exposure to asbestos fibres and the risk of falling.
In June, during 2 days of inspections in the province of Limburg, inspectors had to take enforcement action on 11 occasions during 16 separate inspections. 4 penalty notices have been issued. For some contractors, several violations were identified at the same site.
Other violations
During the operation, inspectors also came across other violations. For example, there was a risk of falling when stepping down from a work platform. In one instance, a scaffold had been erected unsafely and no risk inventory and evaluation had been carried out, even though such is mandatory. In addition to the 5 suspensions, 4 penalty notices were issued in respect of these violations of the Working Conditions Act.
Safe asbestos removal
Asbestos is often not removed safely. In almost one-third of inspections, the Netherlands Labour Authority sees that companies which remove asbestos and are certified to do so are failing to comply with the rules. These rules are intended to ensure that asbestos is removed safely without exposing employees to health risks.
Failing to apply the safety rules leads to clear health risks. For example, employees may be exposed to carcinogenic asbestos fibres. The risk of falling is also a hazard, because asbestos has often been used in roofs that need to be replaced.
Netherlands Labour Authority enforcement
Supervision of asbestos remediation work is essential, because asbestos must be removed safely. Despite the risks, and despite the requirement that work in the sector must be carried out by certified companies, this is by no means always what happens. The Netherlands Labour Authority actively checks compliance.
The Netherlands Labour Authority actively carries out risk-based and reactive supervision of companies and locations where buildings constructed before the asbestos ban came into force in 1994 are being demolished or renovated, and may therefore still contain asbestos. An inspector may immediately stop demolition or remediation work where necessary.