London Underground unfairly dismissed a cleaner who blew the whistle on unsafe handling of toxic dust across the network, an employment tribunal ruled in May, finding that the principal reason for his sacking was protected disclosures.
Micky Steeds, a former professional boxer hired in 2018 to clean vents, lift shafts and inverts, discovered dust containing dangerous levels of asbestos, chromium and arsenic. He was not fitted with a proper protective mask for his first 15 months and received asbestos training only after 19 months of handling asbestos-sheathed cables. Steeds alleged hazardous dust was dumped on tracks and reported that toxic waste was being disposed of in general rubbish bags. He was dismissed in August 2023 after being signed off with anxiety, having been given an ultimatum to retract his complaints or lose his job.
The tribunal found London Underground fell short on hazardous waste compliance, warning the failure may give rise to criminal and civil liability. Transport for London said it is considering an appeal.