Construction company prosecuted for multiple safety failings

Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard how inspections at the construction site at Manchester Road, Bolton, had taken place three times between October 2019 to January 2020 by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).  As a result of these inspections, multiple Prohibition and Improvement Notices were issued to Venus Properties and Development Limited for various Health and Safety failings.  Work at height breaches were found on every occasion and other breaches included sleeping on site, lack of guarding on a metal guillotine, electrical safety, wood dust and safety during lifting operations.

The HSE investigation found that Venus Properties and Development Limited failed to properly assess, plan and implement health and safety procedures and measures resulting in repeated breaches giving rise to significant risk.

Venus Properties and Development Limited of High Street, Waltham Cross, Herts pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £23,000 with costs of £6,917.40.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Rebecca Hamer said, “Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”