04/09/2003

HSENI prosecute construction firms

The Health and Safety Executive of Northern Ireland (HSENI) has successfully prosecuted two firms for breaches of health and safety procedures.

The first case, held at Belfast Magistrates Court last month, involved the prosecution of McCombe Brothers of Antrim. The case arose from an incident during construction work at the Dominican College in Belfast last January.

During the building of a perimeter brick wall along an unsupported edge of a pre-cast concrete floor slab, the slab tilted and resulted in both the wall and the two workers falling four metres to the ground. The company was fined £2,750 and ordered to pay costs.

The second case involved R J Armstrong Surfacing of Lisburn. Lisburn Magistrates Court heard how a tipper body of a lorry came into contact with overhead power lines and two workers received electric shocks. The two workers escaped death as a result of the incident, which occurred on Drumaknockan Lane in Hillsborough. The firm was fined £1,500 and ordered to pay costs.

Commenting on the cases, Ken Logan, Head of the HSENI’s Construction Group said: “These cases highlight the need for good health and safety management, to eliminate incidents of this nature - they are entirely preventable. Those who are prepared to breach health and safety legislation must also accept the consequences. This not only extends to companies but individuals will also be held accountable where appropriate."

(MB)

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