Contractor fined for health and safety failings on roof work

A Bedford based contractor has been fined for failing to comply with a Prohibition Notice, which was served after the contractor was witnessed carrying out roof work in an unsafe manner at Premier Motor Company, Manton Lane, Bedford.

Luton Magistrates’ Court heard how tradesman Bernard Buck continued the reroofing work at Premier Motor Company’s Manton Lane site with subcontractors, without adequate means in place to prevent falls.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident which occurred on 1 October 2015 found that Bernard Buck failed to properly assess the risks associated with the work and implement appropriate controls. He showed no indication of caring about the safety of his own or the subcontractors’ safety.

Bernard Buck of Prinknash Road, Bedford, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and was fined £1,200 and ordered to pay costs of £1,018

For further information on work at height visit: https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/workingatheight.htm