Workers at risk due to ‘numerous safety failings’ on site
HSE inspections at two construction sites revealed widespread safety failings that put workers at risk.
Sherwood Homes Limited had appointed several Principal Contractors to construct numerous domestic properties at two sites, in Preston and at Tarporley. The HSE carried out proactive inspections at both sites and found that those working on site were exposed to risks that included falls from height, electrocution, inhalation of silica dust and being struck by construction plant.
As a result of the inspections, various enforcement action was taken against the Principal Contractors involved and the Client, Sherwood Homes Limited.
The HSE investigation found that the company failed to make suitable arrangements for managing the projects. There was no F10 notice of construction work displayed, and insufficient welfare facilities at the Tarporley site. The company also failed to give notice in writing to HSE before the construction phase began at the Preston site.
On further investigation it was found that since early 2014, HSE conducted nine inspections to four separate sites developed on behalf of Sherwood Homes Ltd. During these visits, 16 enforcement notices and nine notification of contraventions were served for various health and safety breaches.
Sherwood Homes Ltd of Houldsworth Street, Stockport, were found guilty of breaching Regulation 6 (2), Regulation 6(3) and two breaches of Regulation 4 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The company was fined £76,000 and ordered to pay costs of £14,651.64.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Susan Ritchie said:
“Clients cannot delegate their health and safety responsibilities. CDM 2015 places clear duties on Clients making them accountable for the impact their decisions and approach have on the health, safety and welfare of their project.
“In general terms, the Client must ensure that the construction project is set up so that it is carried out from start to finish in a way that adequately controls the risk to health and safety of those who may be affected by it. In order to achieve this they must engage others (such as Designers and Principal Contractors) that have the necessary skills, knowledge, training and organisational capabilities to fulfil their responsibilities under CDM and deliver the project safely on behalf of the Client. If the Client fails to do this, HSE will consider taking enforcement action against them.”
Fall Protection
With falls being among the most common cause of serious injury in the work place fall protection is so important. The Total Access (UK) Limited Fall Protection Department offers a nationwide service specialising in the design and installation of high level access solutions to facilitate the safe and efficient working environment of roof maintenance, on scaffolding, abseil cleaning and other high level tasks.
See more about our Fall Protection Services here
Working at Height
Although these workers were renovating a basement, the risk of falling was still there, therefore they were still technically working at height. Some don't realise how important putting all their training into practice at work can be, this man didn't realise he may face jail time for not being properly secured whilst working at height. Make sure to have a look at our working at height training where you can learn everything from how to correctly suit up in sufficient equipment to climbing correctly.