A sole trader has been fined by the HSE for failing to plan, manage and monitor construction work being carried out under their control.
Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court heard how Rytis Tamasaukas was carrying out extensive refurbishment works to extend a detached property in Chigwell, Essex.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out six site inspections and issued three prohibition notices for breaches of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and another prohibition notice for the stability of roof trusses.
There were also three improvement notices served for the control of wood dust, access and egress, and competent supervision.
HSE Findings
Following a revisit to the site by the HSE it was found that Mr Tamasaukas continued to disregard previous advice on how to plan, manage and monitor the construction work being carried out under his control.
He also failed to comply with the prohibition notice for work at height and did not appoint or train a competent Site Manager.
Mr Tamasaukas, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 15(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and two counts of breaching Section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
He was ordered to serve a community order, which involves completing 300 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months and ordered to pay costs of £5,000.
Speaking after the hearing, the HSE said: “This case highlights the need for suitable and sufficient planning, managing and monitoring, using the appropriate work at height equipment and having a competent Site Manager.
Duty holders should be aware that HSE will hold to account those who do not comply with health and safety legislation, or who do not comply with enforcement notices served on them.”
What does it mean for Employers and Contractors?
- All Employers and Contractors need to plan, manage and monitor the health & safety arrangements at the workplace.
- A competent person should be appointed and trained to oversee the health & safety arrangements at the site.
- All health & safety regulations need to be observed and sufficient risk assessments put in place.
- Control measures need to be put in place to safeguard the workers and any visitors to the site.
- Systems of work need to be followed by all workers and short cuts should not be made as this can result in accidents.
- Full training, information and supervision of workers needs to be considered by employers who are working with tools, equipment, heavy objects and vehicles.
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