A proactive HSE inspection has identified multiple safety failings at a construction site in south Wales.
On 10 August 2011, an HSE inspector visited the site at St Michael’s Church in Manselton, Swansea, which was operated by T Richard Jones (Betws) Ltd. On arrival, the inspector was told that the site manager was on holiday.
During the course of the visit, the inspector observed workers not wearing protective glasses or gloves, a major concern as lime mortar was being used. The use of lime mortar creates a serious risk to health and can lead to the loss of sight, skin burns, or dermatitis. Washing facilities at the site were found to be inadequate.
The inspector also saw two employees working at height without measures in place to prevent injury caused by a fall. As a result of the failings, the HSE decided to prosecute the company.
HSE inspector Phil Nicolle explained the absence of a site manager meant there was nobody present at the site to ensure that risks to health and safety were being adequately controlled. He said: “This company put the safety of its own workforce at risk by failing to ensure the site was managed by a competent person, and the catalogue of failings suggested a lack of regard for workers’ health, safety, or welfare.
“Construction companies have a duty to ensure that their sites are operated in a safe way. Putting these matters right was neither expensive nor technically difficult.”
T Richard Jones (Betws) appeared at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on 6 August and pleaded guilty to breaching s2(1) of the HSWA 1974. It was fined £2000 and ordered to pay £3658 in costs.
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This ‘switch-off’ of safety culture is probably not that uncommon! It’s indicative of ‘sticking plaster safety’ Where a culture of ‘ Forget about all that safety crap! Just get on with the job’ will surface when the person that ‘does safety’ isn’t there. Safety doesn’t come into whether a supervisor is a good or bad – he’s only good if the jobs are done on-time! Safety concious supervisors are often thought of as not very good. Until of someone gets hurt – then the arse covering begins…..
So how many of the employees were charged with s7 HSWA offences?
I’ve never worked in construction but I know how to safely handle cement/mortar because it says so on the bag.
I would suggest that the failure to adhere to basic risk control goes beyound the absence of the SM?
Raising risk perception of employees greatly improves compliance regardless of the presence of the SM or not. Is this not a fundimental underpinning requireemnt of competence?
No wonder this industry has continued health issues with this level of commitment by those deemed to be duty holders..
Andrew,
not everyone can read, and they may not have english as a first language, so the employer has a duty to instruct in the safe handling and use.
COSHH and MHSW regs apply aside of the HSW Act.
The assumption of competence is a missnomer.
Never assume, it makes an as of u and me?