Building site manager fined for ignoring safety notices
A construction site manager has been fined after failing to comply with two safety orders issued to protect workers from injury.
The worker trading was prosecuted for ignoring two Improvement Notices served while he was refurbishing two residential properties.
During an unannounced inspection of the two sites HSE inspectors found sub-standard safety measures in relation to working at height, asbestos safety and structural stability and issued three Prohibition Notices ordering the company to cease work immediately.
However, on returning to the site a week later HSE inspectors found the notices had not been complied with, and identified further sub-standard control measures for working at height.
The company pleaded guilty to two breaches and was fined a total of £1,280 and ordered to pay costs of £1,500 as well as a victim surcharge of £15.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector said:
HSE inspectors found sub-standard safety measures in relation to working at height
"HSE inspectors take enforcement action where the risks justify the action to ensure that people's health and safety is not put at risk.
"We cannot tolerate non-compliance with enforcement notices and will prosecute. The enforcement notices in this case are two of many served by HSE construction inspectors during a recent focus on the construction and refurbishment industry.
During 2009/10, 77 workers were injured while working in construction. UK-wide, 42 workers died and nearly three quarters of these occurred during refurbishment, repair and maintenance activities.
Updated on 10/4/2011