Hussain brothers jailed after Stoke-on-Trent asbestos work
- Published
Two brothers have been jailed for exposing workers to asbestos.
Neither Akram Hussain nor Inam Hussain, both from Stoke-on-Trent, was qualified in demolition or licensed to remove asbestos, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said.
It said at least seven employees were exposed to asbestos during work at a former print works in Burslem in 2012.
Both Akram, 52, of City Road, and Inam, 47, of Boughey Road, admitted breaching health and safety laws.
They were jailed for 22 weeks and 14 weeks respectively. Akram was also ordered to pay costs of £43,000.
The HSE said the brothers continued to refurbish the building and disturb asbestos material despite repeated visits from inspectors.
Speaking after the hearing at Stafford Crown Court on Wednesday, HSE inspector Lindsay Hope said: "This was an appalling case of failing to properly plan, manage and resource this project, which led to workers being exposed to risks to their health from asbestos."