A builder has been fined after carrying out unlicensed asbestos removal work at a house in Cheadle, Manchester.
Gavin Mutch, trading as G Mutch Developments, had been contracted to carry out renovations at the property including roofing work. Despite being warned by the customer that asbestos was potentially present in the fascia boards, Mr Mutch proceeded to remove the asbestos-containing materials on 8 September 2022.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Mr Mutch had carried out unlicensed and therefore illegal asbestos removal work. This type of work should only be undertaken by a licensed asbestos contractor with appropriate safety controls in place.
Mr Mutch, of Cheadle Hulme, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at Manchester Magistrates Court on 8 April 2025. He was sentenced to a 12 month Community Order with 180 hours Unpaid Work and ordered to pay £2000 in costs.
This case highlights the importance of HSE’s current “Asbestos and You” campaign, which reminds tradespeople about the dangers of asbestos and the importance of working safely with it.
Asbestos can be present in buildings constructed before 2000 and can cause serious diseases when disturbed. Workers in trades such as construction, maintenance, demolition and installation are particularly at risk.
The regulator also provides comprehensive guidance for workers and employers about working safely with asbestos on its website. This includes information on how to identify asbestos, what to do if you find it, and the appropriate safety measures needed when working with or around asbestos-containing materials. This guidance is available on the HSE website.
HSE inspector David Norton said: “This case demonstrates why our ‘Asbestos and You’ campaign is so vital. At HSE, we want to raise awareness across the industry about the importance of having suitable control measures in place when working with asbestos-containing materials. Licensed work requires specific training, equipment and practices to ensure safety.”
The prosecution was supported by HSE enforcement lawyer Samantha Crockett and paralegal officer Rebecca Withell.
Further information:
- The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
- More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
- Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.
- HSE’s campaign “Asbestos and You” reminds tradespeople about the dangers of asbestos and the importance of working safely with it. Asbestos can be found in buildings built before 2000 and is still the biggest workplace killer in Britain, causing around 5,000 deaths every year. When disturbed, asbestos releases tiny fibres that can cause fatal lung diseases and cancers. More information can be found at: Asbestos & You – Work Right to keep Britain safe
- Guidance on working safely with asbestos-containing materials can be found at: Asbestos – HSE