Demolition firm fined for endangering workers
A demolition firm based in Lancing in West Sussex has reportedly been ordered to pay fines and costs exceeding £6,500 after it was found guilty of breaching health and safety regulations and endangering its workers.
Officers from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) took the decision to prosecute Rabbit Demolition and Excavation Ltd, along with its director Colin Bell, after a member of the public reported unsafe working practices.
In Worthing Magistrates Court recently, it was revealed that a passer-by sent the HSE a photograph showing workers at the Ball Tree Inn demolition site working at height without the proper precautions in place.
Workers were removing roof tiles without any edge protection in place to stop them from falling, whilst another worker was standing in the bucket of an excavator driven by the company’s director himself. This clearly indicated a lack of health and safety training, as well as protective measures to safeguard workers.
After an investigation and a prosecution, the company and its director have been found guilty of breaching a section of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. A fine of £2,000 was issued, and Rabbit Demolition was also ordered to pay court costs of £4,500.