Builder given jail sentence for serious health and safety breaches

A recent sentence handed to a Salford-based builder has highlighted the significance of appropriate health and safety measures when working at height.

The builder in question was given a suspended sentence by Manchester Magistrates’ Court, following serious breaches in health and safety, which could have caused significant injury to his employees.

The incident occurred in July 2018, when the builder and his employees were repointing a house in Altrincham. During this work, employees were working on unguarded platforms that were six metres in height. Additionally, workers were also exposed to silica dust as they mechanically removed the existing mortar.

Members of the public had alerted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to the dangerous work being carried out at the time and an investigation immediately begun. During the investigation, it was found that corners had been cut with regards to health and safety in order to save money, and the builder had also failed to ensure that the necessary employer’s liability insurance was in place.

Following a hearing, the builder at the centre of this incident pleaded guilty to breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act, as well as breaches of the Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act. The court handed the builder a prison sentence of 26 weeks, suspended for two years, as well as 180 hours of community service and £2,000 in costs.

Despite the fact that this case is a deliberate breach of health and safety legislation, we here at SIMIAN work with clients who are dedicated to ensuring that they are continually operating safely at height, remaining compliant with legislation but also protecting their workforce from injury and illness. Contact us today to find out more about our services and how we can support your business.