Midlands Companies Prosecuted Over Illegal Asbestos Clearance at Cannock Demolition Site
Two Midlands companies and a site manager have been prosecuted following a large-scale asbestos disturbance and illegal clearance operation that put workers at a Cannock demolition site at serious risk. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed multiple failures in managing the hazardous material, leading to substantial fines and a suspended prison sentence.
HSE Inspection Uncovers Dangerous Situation
Concerns about unsafe demolition work prompted a Health and Safety Executive inspector to visit the site on Greenheath Road, Cannock, on September 7, 2023. The inspector discovered that demolition had been halted after asbestos was found on the premises. A subsequent refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey identified a significant 218m² of asbestos-containing materials and debris scattered throughout the site.
Systematic Failures in Asbestos Management
The investigation established that Essington-based Sohan Group Limited, the client for the project, had commissioned an asbestos management survey before work began. This survey identified some asbestos-containing materials within the building, and this critical information was shared with the demolition contractor, Maize Metals Limited of West Bromwich.
Despite being fully aware of the asbestos presence, Maize Metals Limited proceeded with demolition work without proper precautions. Furthermore, the HSE found that Sohan Group Limited had failed to appoint a principal contractor to manage the construction project as required under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
Unlicensed Company Appointed for Dangerous Work
After the refurbishment and demolition survey revealed the extent of asbestos contamination, Sohan Group Limited obtained a quote from a licensed asbestos removal contractor. However, they instead appointed Disa Properties Limited, represented by Ali Raza Baig, to carry out the hazardous clear-up operation.
Neither Disa Properties Limited nor Baig held the necessary licence or demonstrated competence to work with asbestos, according to HSE findings. The investigation determined that Baig failed to engage a licensed contractor and neglected to implement appropriate measures to prevent exposure to and spread of harmful asbestos fibres.
Court Proceedings and Substantial Penalties
At Birmingham Magistrates' Court on March 6, 2026, Sohan Group Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 5(4) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The company was fined £74,900, plus costs of £3,658.14 and a statutory surcharge of £2,000.
Maize Metals Limited admitted breaching Regulation 15(2) of the same regulations and was fined £13,400, with additional costs of £1,359.51 and a £2,000 surcharge.
Ali Raza Baig pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 15(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 by virtue of Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. He received a 26-week prison sentence suspended for two years, along with a three-month electronically monitored curfew between 7pm and 7am.
A director disqualification order was made against Baig under Section 2(1) of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986, prohibiting him from acting as a company director for five years from March 6, 2026. He was warned that breaching this order constitutes a criminal offence carrying a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment. Baig was also ordered to pay costs of £5,899 and a statutory surcharge of £154.
HSE Issues Stern Warning About Asbestos Dangers
Following the sentencing, HSE inspector Rob Gidman emphasized the serious nature of the offences: "Asbestos is a class 1 carcinogen which is known to kill around 20 tradespeople each week due to past exposure. By failing to ensure the demolition was properly planned and managed, considering the presence of asbestos on site, these companies and Mr Baig put workers and members of the public at risk of being exposed to a substance known to cause fatal lung disease."
Gidman added that this case should serve as a stark reminder to all those engaged in demolition and refurbishment work about their legal responsibilities when managing asbestos risks. HSE guidance clearly states that under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, employers must commission a refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey before starting any work likely to disturb the fabric of buildings constructed before 2000.
All asbestos-containing materials identified must either be left undisturbed or removed under strictly controlled conditions by a competent, and in most cases HSE-licensed, contractor. The prosecution highlights the serious consequences of ignoring these essential safety protocols designed to protect workers and the public from this deadly substance.
