Whistleblower warns Tube users of toxic dust risk
A London Underground worker has been unfairly dismissed after raising the alarm about exposure to asbestos and other toxic dust, saying all tube users should know the risks.
Micky Steeds was trying to clear the vents and elevator shafts of the sprawling underground network that attracts millions of users every day. The work was dirty and Mr Steeds was often left covered in a thick layer of dirt and dust.
He expressed concern when he discovered that the dust he dealt with every day could contain dangerous levels of asbestos and other substances such as chromium, arsenic, silicates and iron oxide. However, due to the dangerous conditions, he was told to either return to work or be fired.
Earlier this year Mr Steeds won an employment tribunal which ruled that he had been unfairly dismissed because of “genuine and reasonable” beliefs that he and his colleagues were being endangered. he said Guard He now believes that every cylinder user should be aware of the risks of exposure to toxic dust in the network.
“Everyone who gets on these trains needs to know this. People are put in danger there,” Mr Steeds said.
Mr Steeds started working for the London Underground in 2018. The court heard he was not wearing a suitable face mask and was concerned that he and his colleagues were told to dispose of potentially toxic waste.
But when he raised his concerns, the board found he was given an “unfair and unwarranted ultimatum” to continue working or be fired.
The court ruled that the London Underground “failed to demonstrate compliance in all cases. Failure to dispose of hazardous waste appropriately could lead to criminal and civil liability.”
“Dust used to get dumped on the tracks. I’ve seen it happen. And when the train passes – boof – everyone breathes in that mess,” he said.
“I just want people to be aware of what they’re breathing in. It’s not just dust, it’s hazardous waste, and they don’t know that. I personally don’t travel by subway. I’d rather take the bus.”
Mr Steeds’ lawyer, Michael Ballantyne, said his case was “a reminder of the stigma whistleblowers still face”.
“Mr Steeds was viewed as a troublemaker from the beginning and was expected to fall in line,” he continued. “When he defended himself, the London Underground closed ranks and Mr Steeds was given an ultimatum: retract his statements or be fired. I’m glad to see the tribunal agree this was unreasonable and unfair.
“This is an important win for whistleblowers and a good lesson for employers.”
A TfL spokesman said: “In line with the Government’s Asbestos Control Regulations, we have strict controls in place to ensure customers and staff are not at risk of exposure to asbestos when traveling or working on the Tube network. “Our specialist teams monitor and manage locations where asbestos is found to ensure the safety of everyone traveling or working on the network.
“We are evaluating the consequences of the court decision”
