Round-up of the latest news and prosecutions reported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
£1m Fine for Crossrail Contractors Following 3 Incidents
Three separate incidents occurred during construction on the Crossrail tunnel, the last of which resulted in a worker’s death. As a result, Bam Ferrovial Kier (BFK), an unincorporated joint venture made up of three companies, was fined £1,065,000 and ordered to pay costs of £42,337.28. In its investigation, the HSE found that BFK had neither organised nor enforced a safe system of work. In addition, investigators discovered that equipment and vehicles were not being properly maintained, which also contributed to the incidents.
Companies Fined More than £1m After Workers Exposed to Asbestos
While refurbishing a school, workers were exposed to asbestos. The three companies working on the project were fined more than £1 million. In its investigation, the HSE found that while an asbestos survey had been completed, there were multiple warnings and disclaimers that were not appropriately checked.
Ilfracombe Landlord Sentenced for Unsafe Gas Work
An Ilfracombe landlord was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay costs of £12,184.14 after he risked the lives of his tenants by undertaking dangerous gas work. The landlord replaced a boiler despite having no training in gas work nor being registered with Gas Safe Register. Shortly after, the boiler developed faults and the landlord had to call a gas engineer. In its investigation, the HSE had previously warned the landlord that only a member of Gas Safe Register should work on gas appliances.
