Principal contractor fined for safety failings

A London based construction company has been fined for safety failings after complaints from the public

Basildon Magistrates’ Court heard how Malik Contractors and Engineers Ltd were working at a site St John’s Way in Corringham, Essex in 2016 when concerned members of the public contacted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Malik Contractors and Engineers Ltd are the principal contractors for the development of a public house and 24 flats.

Acting on the public concerns, HSE carried out three inspections of the site. On each visit the inspectors and visiting officers found numerous breaches of health and safety legislation, including dangerous electrical systems, unsafe work at height across the site, and no fire detection alarm. There was no fire-fighting equipment, despite workers sleeping on site.

As a result HSE issued four Prohibition Notices (PNs) and three Improvement Notices (INs) on the firm.

Malik Contractors and Engineers Ltd of Neasden Goods Depot, Neasden, London, was fined a total of ￡52,000, and ordered to pay ￡4,415 in costs after pleading guilty to an offence under Regulation 13(1) of The Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector David King said: “This case highlights the importance complying with enforcement action. Duty holders have the responsibility to provide their workers with appropriate training and equipment so they can work safely. In this case Malik Contractors failed to do so.

“It is essential those responsible for construction work understand they are also responsible for the health and safety of those on and around the construction site, and ensure suitable and sufficient arrangements are in place to plan..”

https://press.hse.gov.uk/2017/principal-contractor-fined-for-safety-failings/?eban=govdel-press-release&cr=23-Mar-2017