A Stretford-based business and its director were fined tens of thousands of pounds after workers were exposed to asbestos during the demolition of warehouses.

Eye Track Ltd was fined £20,000 and its director Selcuk Pinarbasi was fined £75,000 with each of them forced to pay more than £18,750 in court costs as well.

The Stretford-based business was demolishing warehouses on Talbot Road five years ago when there was an inspection by a team of inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) due to concern for workers working at height.

The team of inspectors found workers were exposed to asbestos while breaking down asbestos-containing materials strewn across the site. There were around 100 square metres of asbestos-containing materials in one of the units alone.

Pinarbasi, of Bankhall Lane, Hale Barns, was well aware of these materials thanks to a survey ahead of the start of the work.

He admitted Health and Safety breaches and received a 20-week suspended sentence at Manchester Crown Court last week.

Additionally he was fined £75,000 and Eye Track Ltd was fined £20,000.

Each of them was forced to pay more than £18,750 in court costs as well.

An HSE inspector, Phil Redman, said: "This case highlights how such behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Lives were put at risk as profits were prioritised over safety during the demolition of asbestos-containing materials. 

"Eye Track Limited and its director showed a disregard for the health, safety and welfare of workers working under their control."

An HSE campaign, Asbestos and You, is providing people with information about asbestos and its risks, which include an increased risk of conditions such as asbestosis.

Another campaign, Asbestos: Your Duty, is providing people with information about the duties of directors in relation to the management of the material on their premises.

For information go to hse.gov.uk/asbestos or workright.campaign.gov.uk/campaigns/asbestos.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.