Site failings lead to property developer fine
February 25, 2010
A property developer has pleaded guilty to six safety failings at a project in Hull.
Hull Magistrates Court heard HQ Leisure Limited of Bradford plead guilty to six charges which consisted of one breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, two breaches of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and three breaches of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
An inspection by the Health and Safety Executive of the site on Albion Street, Hull in October 2007 found a number of safety problems that could have caused a serious injury or fatality.
The inspection found the following problems:
ï Rear scaffolding had not been properly inspected, and was found to be dangerously unstable because of missing structural supports
ï Roofing materials were being thrown from a 15 metre high platform at the roof eaves - into an area where other contractors were working below
ï Unsuitable ladders were being used to access upper floors
ï Insufficient and unsecured boards were being used in the roof space leaving workers at risk of falling through the ceiling joists.
ï Voids created by the demolition of a rear extension had not been guarded to prevent falls out of the building
ï No toilet had been provided for the workers and washing facilities were inadequate
The company was fined £10,000 and also ordered to pay £10,000 costs.
Following the hearing HSE Inspector Stephen Hargreaves commented: "HQ Leisure Limited blatantly disregarded the importance of a safe working site, leaving their workers on Albion Street at risk of serious injury or even death. Many people are killed on construction sites every year, and suitable planning and risk management is vital to prevent unnecessary risk. That clearly didn t happen on this occasion and there are a number of simple, practical measures that could and should have been taken by HQ Leisure Ltd.
Inspector Hargreaves concluded: "Property developers must be aware of their duties towards the health and safety of their workers, and HSE will continue to take action where we find significant risks to workers."
Find out more about Risk Assessment
Hull Magistrates Court heard HQ Leisure Limited of Bradford plead guilty to six charges which consisted of one breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, two breaches of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and three breaches of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
An inspection by the Health and Safety Executive of the site on Albion Street, Hull in October 2007 found a number of safety problems that could have caused a serious injury or fatality.
The inspection found the following problems:
ï Rear scaffolding had not been properly inspected, and was found to be dangerously unstable because of missing structural supports
ï Roofing materials were being thrown from a 15 metre high platform at the roof eaves - into an area where other contractors were working below
ï Unsuitable ladders were being used to access upper floors
ï Insufficient and unsecured boards were being used in the roof space leaving workers at risk of falling through the ceiling joists.
ï Voids created by the demolition of a rear extension had not been guarded to prevent falls out of the building
ï No toilet had been provided for the workers and washing facilities were inadequate
The company was fined £10,000 and also ordered to pay £10,000 costs.
Following the hearing HSE Inspector Stephen Hargreaves commented: "HQ Leisure Limited blatantly disregarded the importance of a safe working site, leaving their workers on Albion Street at risk of serious injury or even death. Many people are killed on construction sites every year, and suitable planning and risk management is vital to prevent unnecessary risk. That clearly didn t happen on this occasion and there are a number of simple, practical measures that could and should have been taken by HQ Leisure Ltd.
Inspector Hargreaves concluded: "Property developers must be aware of their duties towards the health and safety of their workers, and HSE will continue to take action where we find significant risks to workers."
Find out more about Risk Assessment
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