Demolition Companies Prosecuted After Major Asbestos Disturbance in Cannock

A recent prosecution has highlighted the serious consequences of failing to properly manage asbestos during demolition work. Two companies and a site manager have been sentenced after a large-scale asbestos disturbance in Cannock, which occurred at a demolition site and put workers and members of the public at risk.

The case serves as a reminder that asbestos risks must always be carefully managed, particularly during refurbishment and demolition projects.

What Happened at the Cannock Site

The incident took place at a demolition site on Greenheath Road in Cannock. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) began investigating after concerns were raised about unsafe demolition work.

When an inspector visited the site on 7 September 2023, demolition had already been halted after asbestos was discovered. A subsequent refurbishment and demolition (R&D) asbestos survey found 218 square metres of asbestos-containing materials and debris across the site.

Despite asbestos having already been identified through an earlier asbestos management survey, demolition work had still gone ahead.

Failures in Planning and Management

The HSE investigation found several serious failures in how the project had been managed.

The client for the project, Sohan Group Limited, had commissioned an asbestos management survey before work began. This survey identified asbestos-containing materials within the building and was shared with the demolition contractor, Maize Metals Limited.

However, demolition proceeded even though asbestos had been identified.

In addition, Sohan Group Limited failed to appoint a principal contractor, which is required under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 to properly oversee and manage construction projects.

Once the asbestos disturbance was discovered, the company obtained a quote from a licensed asbestos removal contractor. However, instead of appointing that contractor, the clean-up work was given to Disa Properties Limited, represented by Ali Raza Baig.

Neither the company nor Mr Baig held the required licence or competence to carry out asbestos work.

The Court Outcome

At Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 6 March 2026, the following penalties were issued:

• Sohan Group Limited was fined £74,900, ordered to pay £3,658.14 in costs, and a £2,000 statutory surcharge.
• Maize Metals Limited was fined £13,400, with £1,359.51 in costs and a £2,000 surcharge.
• Ali Raza Baig received a 26-week prison sentence suspended for two years, along with a three-month electronically monitored curfew. He was also disqualified from acting as a company director for five years and ordered to pay £5,899 in costs.

Why Asbestos Surveys Are So Important

According to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, any work likely to disturb the structure of a building constructed before 2000 must be preceded by a refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey.

These surveys identify asbestos-containing materials before work begins so they can be managed safely or removed under controlled conditions.

Skipping this step, or ignoring the findings can put workers, contractors, and the public at risk.

HSE Inspector Rob Gidman emphasised the seriousness of the issue, noting that asbestos remains a Class 1 carcinogen and continues to cause the deaths of thousands of people each year due to past exposure.

A Clear Reminder for Construction and Property Projects

This case highlights how critical it is to properly plan demolition and refurbishment projects where asbestos may be present. Even when asbestos risks are identified early, failing to follow the correct procedures can lead to dangerous exposure and significant legal consequences.

For property owners, developers, and contractors, the safest approach is always to ensure asbestos risks are identified and managed before work begins.

If you are planning refurbishment or demolition work in an older property, arranging a professional asbestos survey is an essential first step.