![PP Construction Safety logo and link to home page [1]](http://www.ppconstructionsafety.com/wp-content/themes/ppcs960/images/ppcslogo.jpg)
South west hotel developer given short sharp shock for unsafe working
A Newquay-based company has been ordered to pay £5k in fines and prosecution costs after putting builders at risk on a hotel construction site in the town.
Bluechip Hotels Ltd of Porth, pleaded guilty to breaching HSW Act Sections 2 and 3 after failng to provide guardrails on a ‘bridge’ walkway.
Work at height not properly controlled
The court heard that HSE inspectors visited the site at Glendorgal Resort, Lusty Glaze Road, Newquay, during February and March 2008.
The inspectors were concerned that employees working at height without suitable precautions. Blocked walkways were identified around the site.
Two formal enforcement notices were served requiring improvements to be carried out.
Failure to comply with enforcement led to court case
During a follow-up visit in March 2008 inspectors discovered work was continuing in the same dangerous manner resulting in the HSE decision to prosecute the company.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Principal Inspector Barry Trudgian said:
“Forty one employees suffered major injuries following falls from height in Cornwall in 2008/09. This toll may have been even higher if the unsafe working practices at this site had continued. Construction companies must make the safety of their workers a priority, not leave it as an after-thought. Simple measures can be taken to ensure the safety of employees on construction sites, such as providing guardrails where necessary and keeping the site clear of hazards such as rubbish.”