24th May 2019
Don’t Ignore The HSE!
What’s Happened?
A company – Glamping Cocoon Ltd – and its Director have both been sentenced for failing to comply with Health & Safety legislation after being served with Improvement Notices.
Inspections
Glamping Cocoon Ltd was subject to an unannounced inspection as part of the HSE’s targeted campaign of the woodworking sector. Four Improvement Notices were served requiring various matters to be rectified within a certain time. Following three extensions to the improvement notices, two notices remained outstanding months after the expiry date despite HSE attempts to work with the company to support improvements. The Improvement Notice relating to the assessment of risk to employees from exposure to noise remains outstanding, says the HSE.
Fined
Glamping Cocoon Ltd of Barmston Road, Beverley was found guilty of breaching Section 33 (1) (g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company has been fined £30,000 and ordered to pay £5,506 in costs.
Director Nicholas Oaten of High Street, North Ferriby was also found guilty to breaching Section 33 (1) (g) by Section 37 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Mr Oaten was fined £2,640 and ordered to pay £5,506 in costs.
After the hearing the HSE Inspector involved in the case commented: “Failure to engage with HSE exposes both employees and the business to risk. In this case health risks to employees from noise were not assessed or managed and the business will have to pay a substantial fine.
“The Company and director should have taken on board all the assistance available to them from HSE or obtained competent advice elsewhere. HSE will assist small companies but where there is a disregard for the law, specifically the requirements of Improvement Notices, prosecution will be sought.”
If you need help with any aspect of Health & Safety for your business, just call us on 0845 459 1724 or contact us through the website and we’ll be happy to help.
