Courts / Dublin / Report
Company's fine for exposing staff to asbestos risk increased over five times
Summary
In a Court of Appeal decision, the fine imposed on Telstar Investments Ltd for exposing two staff members to asbestos risk was increased from €7,500 to €40,000. The case involved the removal of unstable ceiling tiles containing brown asbestos from a courtyard area being redeveloped. Telstar, as the employer, had pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the safety, health and welfare of its employees. The Court found the original fine unduly lenient and insufficient as a deterrent, noting the company's assets of €16 million and the costs of cleaning up the site. The new fine of €40 k was set after considering mitigating factors such as the guilty plea, cooperation, remorse and lack of prior convictions. Costs were awarded to the State. The decision reaffirmed the seriousness of the offence and the need for a stronger deterrent.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Company's fine for exposing staff to asbestos risk increased over five times. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- June 24, 2016 Incident
- 2022-10-13 Publication
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Findlater House
- Findlater Place
- Cathal Brugha Street
Topics
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