A Salford builder has been given a suspended sentenced for putting employees at significant risk.
Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard how, in July 2018, whilst carrying out repointing work at a house in Altrincham, the builder allowed employees to work on unguarded platforms six metres in height. The workers were also not provided with adequate protection from silica dust during the removal of mortar.
Concerned members of the public alerted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and an investigation began immediately. The investigation found that corners had been cut with regards to health and safety in order to save money. The builder had also failed to ensure that the necessary employer’s liability insurance was in place.
The builder pleaded guilty to breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act, as well as breaches of the Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act. He received a 26-week prison sentence suspended for two years and 180 hours community service. He was also ordered to pay £2,000 in costs.
After the hearing HSE inspector Matt Greenly said: “HSE receives thousands of concerns from members of the public each year and we investigate those which show serious risk. Corners must not be cut when dealing with employees’ safety, such as working at height.”
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