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Lenient sentence after improvements not made on asbestos and competence
Mr Haider Zaman, aged 53, trading as Pride Builders, has been prosecuted for ignoring two Improvement Notices served whilst he was refurbishing two residential properties in the Cathays area of Cardiff.
The proceedings arose from unannounced inspections at the two sites on 1 March 2011. HSE inspectors found sub-standard safety measures in relation to work at height, asbestos and structural stability and issued three Prohibition Notices ordering Mr Zaman to cease work immediately.
Two Improvement Notices relating to asbestos safety training and health and safety competence training were subsequently served to Mr Zaman giving until 10 May 2011 to make the necessary improvements. However, on returning to the site after the notices expired HSE inspectors found the notices had not been complied with and found further sub-standard control measures for working at height.
Notices served during refurb blitz
Mr Haider Zaman, trading as Pride Builders, of 174 Mackintosh Place, Cardiff pleaded guilty to two breaches of Section 33 (1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. He was fined a total of £1,280 and ordered to pay costs of £1,500 as well as a victim surcharge of £15.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector David Kirkpatrick said:
“HSE inspectors take enforcement action where the risks justify the action to ensure that people’s health and safety is not put at risk. We cannot tolerate non-compliance with enforcement notices and will prosecute.
The enforcement notices in this case are two of many served by HSE construction inspectors during a recent focus on the construction and refurbishment industry in Cardiff. Construction is a high risk industry and if workers are not to die or suffer life-changing injury, it is essential that everyone meets basic and sensible standards of safety.”