Construction company ignored welfare of workers

Preston Magistrates’ Court heard how, between 12 December 2015 and 14 June 2018, Navkaar Limited put its workers at serious risk of personal injury or death at a construction site in Blackpool. The company failed to prevent risks from falls from height, exposure to asbestos and dangerous electrical systems. There were no suitable welfare facilities and no measures to prevent fire on site.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that workers on site had carried out work in an unsafe manner without the appropriate measures in place to ensure their health, safety and welfare.  The employees and contractors on site did not have the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience to complete the work. Navkaar Limited failed to comply with their duty as principal contractor to plan, manage and monitor the work being carried out on site.

Navkaar Limited of Station Approach, Northwood pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.  The company was fined £35,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,860.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Jacqueline Western, said, “These risks could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices. Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”