Builder fined for failing to complete construction safety training
09:55 - 07/03/2011
Builder fined for failing to complete...
The owner of a roofing company has been fined £1,200 after he ignored an enforcement notice issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which ordered him to undergo “much needed” safety training.
Nathan Michell, 34, the owner of Cornish-based company All Roofs, pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Camborne Magistrate’s Court and was ordered to pay a further £800 in addition to his fine.
The court heard how Mr Michell was first served with an Improvement Notice on 2nd June 2010 after the HSE carried out an inspection on a new housing development site on Church Road, Pool.
The HSE Inspector found that there were several safety risks associated with the scaffolding used by All Roofs during work on the development. In many sections it was incomplete and there were no barriers to prevent workers from falling. Broken equipment, such as a loft ladder roughly repaired with a piece of rope, was also being used despite its obvious unsuitability for such a hazardous job.
In response, the HSE Inspector arranged for Mr Michell to meet with a qualified health and safety consultant and also discussed appropriate training with him. Training courses were subsequently arranged for Mr Michell, but he failed to attend.
Commenting on the case, HSE Inspector Barry Trudgian said: “Mr Michell was given two opportunities to complete a much needed safety course after the HSE visit. Unfortunately for him, ignoring the HSE enforcement notice landed him in court today.
“Organising safe work at height is one of the key responsibilities of those in control of construction work. In order to do this it’s essential they remain up to speed with best practice in construction and relevant health and safety law.”
First Response Training can offer a wide range of health and safety training for all industry sectors. Perry Leeks, Managing Director of First Response, explains: “Many people view training as too costly and therefore they try to do without, but the costs of not completing appropriate safety training are far higher. In this case, not undergoing training has cost this firm £2,000, but the cost can sadly too often be a human life. Falls from height are one of the main causes of fatalities and major injuries at work.
“Construction is a particularly dangerous industry, and anyone who is involved in managing a construction project should be familiar with their duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007, and should undergo proper safety training, as well as providing it for their staff.”
First Response can offer an IOSH-accredited Managing Safely in Construction training course and further special focus training courses such as The CDM Regulations (2007), Working at Height, Tower Scaffolding and Ladder Safety. Please call them on free phone 0800 310 2300 to find out more.
Nathan Michell, 34, the owner of Cornish-based company All Roofs, pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Camborne Magistrate’s Court and was ordered to pay a further £800 in addition to his fine.
The court heard how Mr Michell was first served with an Improvement Notice on 2nd June 2010 after the HSE carried out an inspection on a new housing development site on Church Road, Pool.
The HSE Inspector found that there were several safety risks associated with the scaffolding used by All Roofs during work on the development. In many sections it was incomplete and there were no barriers to prevent workers from falling. Broken equipment, such as a loft ladder roughly repaired with a piece of rope, was also being used despite its obvious unsuitability for such a hazardous job.
In response, the HSE Inspector arranged for Mr Michell to meet with a qualified health and safety consultant and also discussed appropriate training with him. Training courses were subsequently arranged for Mr Michell, but he failed to attend.
Commenting on the case, HSE Inspector Barry Trudgian said: “Mr Michell was given two opportunities to complete a much needed safety course after the HSE visit. Unfortunately for him, ignoring the HSE enforcement notice landed him in court today.
“Organising safe work at height is one of the key responsibilities of those in control of construction work. In order to do this it’s essential they remain up to speed with best practice in construction and relevant health and safety law.”
First Response Training can offer a wide range of health and safety training for all industry sectors. Perry Leeks, Managing Director of First Response, explains: “Many people view training as too costly and therefore they try to do without, but the costs of not completing appropriate safety training are far higher. In this case, not undergoing training has cost this firm £2,000, but the cost can sadly too often be a human life. Falls from height are one of the main causes of fatalities and major injuries at work.
“Construction is a particularly dangerous industry, and anyone who is involved in managing a construction project should be familiar with their duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007, and should undergo proper safety training, as well as providing it for their staff.”
First Response can offer an IOSH-accredited Managing Safely in Construction training course and further special focus training courses such as The CDM Regulations (2007), Working at Height, Tower Scaffolding and Ladder Safety. Please call them on free phone 0800 310 2300 to find out more.
Make your selections below and enter your postcode (if applicable). This will provide you with information about a course in a location convenient to you
