The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Brunwin Professional Roofing Services Ltd after uncovering serious safety failings during a routine inspection at a detached house in Croydon on 28 April 2009.
During the site visit, a HSE inspector discovered that the scaffolding was poorly positioned, creating a gap large enough for the two workers on site to fall through. The company also removed and broke up soffit (fascia) boards made from asbestos containing materials without the mandatory licence and notifications to HSE.
HSE inspector Bose Ogunsekan said: "Falls from height are the biggest cause of fatal injury in the construction industry and recent years have seen sharp increases in cases of ill health linked to asbestos in trades such as roofing.
"Brunwin Professional Roofing Services failed to carry out work in a safe way. Major injuries and fatal accidents can occur on small jobs as well as large schemes. I hope the result of this case indicates the importance of managing health and safety on what was considered to be a small project."
Brunwin Professional Roofing Services Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching safety regulations at City of London Magistrates Court today (15 July 2011). The company - which is registered at Suite L8, Airport House, Purley Way in Croydon - was fined £4,000 for breaching Regulation 8(1) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 and £2,000 for breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height 2005 Regulations. Full costs of £2,406 were also awarded against the company.
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
.gif)
