Prosecutions
The company was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for ignoring two Improvement Notices served while he was refurbishing two residential properties in Cardiff.
During an unannounced inspection of the two sites on 1 March 2011, HSE inspectors found sub-standard safety measures in relation to working at height, asbestos safety and structural stability and issued three Prohibition Notices ordering him to cease work immediately.
Two Improvement Notices relating to asbestos safety training and health and safety competence training were subsequently served to the manager.
Cardiff Magistrates' Court heard the Improvement Notices served on the manager gave him until 10 May 2011 to make the necessary improvements. 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 manager pleaded guilty to two breaches of Section 33 (1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. He 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, a HSE inspector said:
"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 in Cardiff.
"Construction is a high risk industry and if workers are not to die or suffer life-changing injury, it is essential that everyone meets basic and sensible standards of safety."
HSE serves Prohibition Notices where there is a clear, immediate risk of death or injury to employees or members of the public. Improvement Notices allow a limited time to raise safety standards.
During 2009/10, 77 workers were injured in Cardiff while working in construction. UK-wide, 42 workers died and nearly three quarters of these occurred during refurbishment, repair and maintenance activities.