Building site manager fined for ignoring HSE safety notices

This article presents a case where a Cardiff construction site manager has been fined after failing to comply with two safety orders issued to protect workers from injury, including failing to provide Asbestos Safety Training. The fine incurred way exceeds the small cost of undertaking such training with Armco Asbestos Consultants.

Last Updated on February 8, 2012 by

Further to my previous article regarding unannounced visits to refurbishment sites by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), this article present a case where a Cardiff construction site manager has been fined after failing to comply with two safety orders issued to protect workers from injury,  including failing to provide Asbestos Safety Training.

Mr Haider Zaman, 53, trading as Pride Builders, was prosecuted by the HSE for ignoring two Improvement Notices (IN) served while he was refurbishing two residential properties in the Cathays area of 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 Mr Zaman to cease work immediately.  Two Improvement Notices relating to asbestos safety training and health and safety competence training were subsequently served to Mr Zaman and Cardiff Magistrates’ Court heard the Improvement Notices served on Mr Zaman 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.

Mr Haider Zaman, trading as Pride Builders, of 174 Mackintosh Place, Cardiff 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.

Mr. Zaman ended up with a large fine which could have been avoided if he had simply ensured that himself and any staff had received the relevant Asbestos Awareness Training. Here at Armco we provide this Asbestos Awareness Training in-house for £55 per person at our premises in Bury, with the next session set for early March 2012.  Alternatively, we can attend other premises nationwide for approx. £250 for up to 20 clients.  Please navigate this site for further details and ring the office to discuss costs and dates.

 

Published Feb 08, 2012

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