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03/10/2001
Local contractors fined for serious safety breach
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has prosecuted two local contractors following an accident in February which saw seven men injured when a first floor support structure collapsed.
The incident occurred at the New Courts Complex in Oxford Street Belfast, during the pouring of a concrete floor. During the construction of the floor, the scaffolding failed and the floor collapsed. Of the seven men who were injured in the incidence, two had to be taken to hospital.
The principle contractor on the project, Karl Northern Ltd, pleaded guilty to two breaches of Health and Safety legislation at the hearing in Belfast Magistrates Court on Tuesday 2 October. The breaches pertained to the company’s failure to conduct their undertaking in a manner so as not to endanger any workers on the site, and their failure to ensure that a safe system of work was used during construction of the floor.
The magistrate, Mr McKibben, said that it had only been due to good fortune that no-one had been killed in the accident, and imposed a fine of £10,000 with additional costs of £7,500 to be paid towards the prosecution’s costs.
Chris Curran, a subcontractor who was also working on the project, pleaded guilty to one charge arising from his failure to ensure the support structure was designed properly and contained necessary bracing. He was awarded a fine of £500 after the magistrate took into account that Mr Curran is now bankrupt.
Speaking after the hearing, Ken Logan, Head of HSENI’s Construction Group, commented: “This accident had the potential for multiple fatalities. The construction industry must learn from this incident the importance of following the Code of Practice for Falsework.”
He added: “Whilst the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland will prosecute when necessary, we are also here to educate and advise. We have recently opened a new Information and Advice Centre and would appeal to employers who are unsure of their health and safety obligations to come in and speak to us.” (CL)
The incident occurred at the New Courts Complex in Oxford Street Belfast, during the pouring of a concrete floor. During the construction of the floor, the scaffolding failed and the floor collapsed. Of the seven men who were injured in the incidence, two had to be taken to hospital.
The principle contractor on the project, Karl Northern Ltd, pleaded guilty to two breaches of Health and Safety legislation at the hearing in Belfast Magistrates Court on Tuesday 2 October. The breaches pertained to the company’s failure to conduct their undertaking in a manner so as not to endanger any workers on the site, and their failure to ensure that a safe system of work was used during construction of the floor.
The magistrate, Mr McKibben, said that it had only been due to good fortune that no-one had been killed in the accident, and imposed a fine of £10,000 with additional costs of £7,500 to be paid towards the prosecution’s costs.
Chris Curran, a subcontractor who was also working on the project, pleaded guilty to one charge arising from his failure to ensure the support structure was designed properly and contained necessary bracing. He was awarded a fine of £500 after the magistrate took into account that Mr Curran is now bankrupt.
Speaking after the hearing, Ken Logan, Head of HSENI’s Construction Group, commented: “This accident had the potential for multiple fatalities. The construction industry must learn from this incident the importance of following the Code of Practice for Falsework.”
He added: “Whilst the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland will prosecute when necessary, we are also here to educate and advise. We have recently opened a new Information and Advice Centre and would appeal to employers who are unsure of their health and safety obligations to come in and speak to us.” (CL)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
