A former cleaner for the London Underground has successfully won an unfair dismissal case, shedding light on serious concerns regarding exposure to hazardous materials, including asbestos. Micky Steeds, who was dismissed after voicing his worries about insufficient safety measures and improper waste disposal, now aims to inform the public about the potential health risks associated with using the tube network.
A Troubling Work Environment
Micky Steeds, a former professional boxer, joined the London Underground in 2018. His role involved cleaning years of accumulated dust from various locations such as vents and lift shafts. Steeds recounted that the dust was so dense at times that he could not see his own hands. In one incident at Tottenham Court Road, the extent of the dust triggered fire alarms, highlighting the hazardous conditions he and his colleagues faced.
As Steeds began to uncover the nature of the dust, he realised it could contain harmful substances, including significant levels of asbestos, chromium, arsenic, silicates, and iron oxide. This discovery prompted him to raise concerns about the lack of adequate protective equipment. For the first 15 months of his employment, Steeds was not provided with a suitable mask, often resorting to ineffective paper masks that quickly became saturated with dust.
Whistleblowing and Retaliation
Despite his training on handling asbestos, Steeds was only instructed in proper safety protocols after nearly two years of working with potentially dangerous materials. He expressed alarm over the improper disposal of hazardous waste, revealing that, in his view, the crew was carelessly discarding such materials into general waste bags rather than following proper protocols for special waste disposal.
The tribunal that later reviewed his case found that Steeds’ disclosures constituted whistleblowing under the Employment Rights Act 1996. His concerns were deemed “genuine and reasonable,” underscoring the severity of the issues he raised. According to the tribunal, London Underground failed to demonstrate compliance with safety regulations regarding hazardous waste, leaving both workers and the public exposed to potential harm.
In August 2023, Steeds was dismissed after being on sick leave for anxiety, having been presented with an unfair ultimatum: retract his claims or face termination. The tribunal ruled that his dismissal was unjust and primarily motivated by his protected disclosures regarding workplace safety.
The Broader Implications for Public Safety
Steeds’ case has drawn attention to the broader implications for public health within the transportation sector. He argued that all tube passengers deserve to be informed about the risks they may face while travelling, stating, “Everyone who gets on those trains needs to know about it.” The tribunal concurred, acknowledging that the improper disposal of hazardous materials could lead to significant liabilities for London Underground.
Despite the ruling, London Underground has stated its intention to appeal. A representative from Transport for London insisted that strict measures are in place to mitigate asbestos exposure risks for both employees and passengers. However, Steeds remains sceptical, calling for immediate action to remove hazardous materials from the network.
Why it Matters
Steeds’ experience highlights the critical need for transparency and accountability in the handling of public health concerns, especially within essential services like the London Underground. His victory not only serves as a cautionary tale for employers about the treatment of whistleblowers but also raises urgent questions about the safety protocols in place to protect both workers and the public. As more individuals speak out against unsafe practices, it becomes imperative for organisations to ensure that their safety measures are not only compliant but effective in safeguarding health and wellbeing.
