BeLFAST Health and Social Care Trust has pleaded guilty to two
offences of failing to ensure the health and safety of employees and non-employees in February 2011.
Two further offences relating to the management and control of asbestos were left on the books at Belfast Crown Court yesterday.
No facts were revealed in court and the deputy recorder of Belfast, Judge Corinne Philpott QC, adjourned passing sentence, limited to a fine, until next month. it is the second time in six months that the trust has been before the courts for breaching health and safety regulations. in march the trust was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £1,750 costs for offences relating to the disposal of potentially lethal asbestos when, on January 14 2011, three construction workers were exposed to the chemical while repairing a floor at the City Hospital.
The court heard at that time how a section of ceiling had to be removed to gain access to the floor above but that it was constructed of asbestos insulation board.
Although the hospital had been known to contain asbestos following a survey, that information had not been passed on to maintenance contractors, the court heard.