Unsafe scaffolding leads to £3,000 fine

A Manchester based company has been fined £3,000 after a HSE inspector noticed unsafe scaffolding on a house renovation as they happened to be driving past.

After a thorough inspection, the HSE inspector noted that there were gaps in the scaffolding, putting those using it at risk of falling from a height.

The company also failed to plan the work safely at the property, a crucial requirement for such a project. It was discovered the firm had not conducted the mandatory weekly inspections of the scaffolding as per safety instructions.

In response to these serious safety violations, the HSE inspector issued the firm with a prohibition notice and the company was banned for using the unsafe scaffolding.

However, a week later, the same HSE inspector drove past the property again to find two workers using the same scaffolding which it had been prohibited from using.

In addition, the colour of the house had also changed since the previous visit, indicating that the company had continued to use the same scaffolding and completely disregarded the prohibition notice.

The Health and Safety Executive has clear guidelines to ensure safe working conditions for employees, especially when working at height. However, the firm disregarded these guidelines and endangered the lives of its workers.

As a result, the company were prosecuted and pleaded guilty to breaching s.4(1) and s.6(3) Work at Height Regulations 2005 and s.33(1)(g) Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The firm was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £1,000 in costs.

Aegis has experienced and knowledgeable staff who can advise companies on how to ensure safe working conditions are adhered to. If you would like more information, get in touch with our team of experts today.