Building contractor fined for ignoring safety risks

Posted: November 30, 2012

Posted in: Employer Negligence Workplace Injuries 

A Newquay building contractor has been fined for allowing multiple safety failings at a new-build construction site, exposing workers to serious risk of injury.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that numerous ‘fall from height‘ risks were observed at the site, including unprotected edges in floor-to-ceiling window openings, the lift shaft and stairwell. Scaffolding was also incomplete.

A health and safety inspection had been carried out by a competent advisor two months before the HSE inspection. The fall risks were highlighted by the advisor, yet no effective action had been taken to make improvements or to eliminate the safety risks.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Barry Trudgian said:

“Today’s prosecution should serve as a reminder to all building contractors and companies to protect their employees from falls when working at height. It is a legal duty to manage safety, and failing to do so ends too often in tragedy.”

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