Hotel construction puts builders at risk

Health and Safety Executive inspectors served two improvement notices to Bluechip Hotels Ltd during a hotel construction in Newquay. However, during a follow up visit in March 2008 no improvements had been made, leading to the HSE prosecuting the company.

Bodmin Magistrates Court heard how during the inspection, the HSE were concerned that some employees were working at height without suitable precautions in place. Blocked walkways around the site also raised concern with the Inspectors.

The court heard inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visited the site at Glendorgal Resort, Lusty Glaze Road, Newquay, during February and March 2008.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) and section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, for failing to provide guardrails on a bridge over an excavation site. The company was fined £1500 for each offence and ordered to pay £2000 in costs.

Speaking after the hearing, HSEP Inspector Barry Trudgian said: "Forty one employees suffered major injuries following falls from height in Cornwall in 2008/09. This toll may have been even higher if the unsafe working practices at this site had continued. Construction companies must make the safety of their workers a priority, not leave it as an after-thought."

Inspector Trudgian concluded: "Simple measures can be taken to ensure the safety of employees on construction sites, such as providing guardrails where necessary and keeping the site clear of hazards such as rubbish."

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