Firm prosecuted for unsafe scaffolding

The lives of several construction workers were put at risk as they worked on unsafe scaffolding at a farm.

The men were spotted working on a barn conversion during a series of on-the-spot inspections carried out by the Health and Safety Executive, and the inspector immediately served a Prohibition Notice ordering the men to come down.

Workers were seen on scaffolding platforms with numerous missing guard rails, deck boards and toe boards to prevent them falling. The company was prosecuted for failing to take sufficient measures to prevent workers being injured in a fall and fined £5,000.

HSE Inspector Anthony Polec said: "Work at height is one of the biggest causes of workplace deaths in the UK, with dozens of fatal injuries every year. It’s therefore vital that construction companies do all they can to protect their workers."

Vocam Training Videos
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety
Construction: Managing Hazards and Risks
Height Safety Essentials
Slips Trips and Falls

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Construction: Fundamentals for Safety – E-Learning
Height Safety Essentials - E-Learning
Safety Awareness – E-Learning
Slips Trips and Falls - E-Learning

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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-nw-ribble-valley.htm?eban=rss-

Construction firm fined for endangering workers and the public

A construction firm has been prosecuted for endangering workers and the public with unsafe demolition work.

Local residents raised concerns that asbestos materials were being smashed up and littering the site, that debris was dropping from height onto the road and footpath; and that the site was insecure despite its close proximity to a local school.

The Health and Safety Executive investigation found that the company should have carried out an asbestos survey and produced a health and safety plan and a plan of demolition to ensure the buildings came down in a safe manner. Safe working platforms such as scaffolding could also have been used.

The construction company also employed inexperienced labourers to carry out demolition and asbestos removal, and did not give them sufficient instruction, training, or supervision. The company was fined £36,000 and ordered to pay £9159 in costs.

HSE Inspector Helen Donnelly said: "Construction projects need to be properly planned and safely managed by competent personnel using the right procedures and equipment. That clearly didn't happen here, and I hope lessons have been learned."

Vocam Training Videos
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety
Construction: Managing Hazards and Risks
Hazardous Chemicals - GHS Classification & Communication
Hazardous Substances Safety Essentials

E-learning Courses
Construction: Fundamentals for Safety – E-Learning
Hazardous Chemicals: GHS Classification and Communication - E-Learning
Safety Awareness – E-Learning
Hazardous Substances Safety Essentials - E-Learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-ldn-19412.htm?eban=rss-