
Welfare facilities failings cost construction company
A construction company has been fined for failing to provide suitable welfare facilities for its employees on a building site.
Series of failings
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out an inspection of a building site in North London where the company in question was carrying out a full refurbishment of a two-storey flat into a converted house.
During the inspection, which took place in November 2021, the HSE inspectors found that welfare facilities did not comply with the minimum requirements as set out in Schedule 2 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, which includes the provision of sanitary conveniences, washing facilities and drinking water.
The toilet provided was not flushable and was located in a room without a door or window coverings. There was no sink, hot water, soap or towels made available, while cold water was only available from a pipe in the next room. Furthermore, no rest area had been set up.
Paying the price
The company as issued with an improvement notice, which required it to put in place suitable welfare facilities. However, on a subsequent inspection by the HSE in January 2022, it was found that no improvements had been made.
As a result, the company was prosecuted and, at court, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 33(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was therefore fined £1,334 and ordered to pay costs of £1,748. In addition, one of the company directors was also found guilty and fined £416, with costs of £1,622.
Employers are required to provide safe working environments for their employees, complying with regulations designed to reduce health and safety risks.
If you require support from Aegis’ team of experts in ensuring you are meeting the requirements of these important regulations, get in touch with us today.