News for Drywall firms: Fine given for safety breaches
2010-04-20
Construction companies are being reminded that they have a duty to follow health and safety rules and can be prosecuted for any breaches.The reminder follows the case where TMN Fabrications Ltd, of Holme on Spalding Moore in Yorkshire, was fined for health and safety at work breaches.
Dean Lightowler, who was working for the firm, fell from a roof at Park Farm, Everingham, York, while fitting new roof sheeting. But the incident was not reported for around two months.
And TMN Fabrications had failed to provide adequate edge protection, with no edge protection, nets or suitable working platforms being present for employee use.
"I hope today's prosecution reminds companies that inadequate protection when working at height is unacceptable. HSE [Health and Safety Executive] provides free guidance on the required standards for companies when working at height," said HSE inspector Geoff Clark after the court hearing.
He added that if standards are not followed, there is a risk of serious or fatal injury to those at work, and noted that the HSE will take action in such cases.
More than 4,000 employees suffered a major injury as a result of a fall from height over 2008-9, the HSE states.
