Building left at risk of collapse

A builder has been fined for putting workers and the public in danger by leaving a building at risk of collapse in Lincoln city centre.

A builder has been fined for putting workers and the public in danger by leaving a building at risk of collapse in Lincoln city centre.Ian Behagg, who trades from Unit 18, Lydon Business Park, Farrier Way, Lincoln was refurbishing residential premises in Sibthorp Street between 10 and 17 February 2010, when the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) made an inspection visit.

Lincoln Magistrates' Court heard how Mr Behagg had allowed workers to remove structural parts of the building without supporting it properly. They failed to use temporary supports, putting both themselves and members of the public in danger.
Workers were also found to be working at height without suitable protective equipment to prevent them falling and injuring themselves.

Inspector Stephen Farthing said:
"Mr Behagg's blatant disregard for health and safety put both workers and members of the public in danger.
"Had the building collapsed, the consequences might have been fatal.HSE will continue to clamp down on small construction companies which fail to take the health and safety of their employees and the public seriously."

Ian Behagg pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 28(1) and 28(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. He was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,051 at Lincoln Magistrates' Court on 7 February 2011.

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Item sourced from http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2011/coi-em-13911.htm