Dangerous parts of machinery had missing or inadequate guarding posing an injury risk, and workers were also exposed to hazardous substances from welding fumes and paint spray from a wet spray booth, which the company had incorrectly told the HSE had been taken out of service.
Liverpool-based Securafence Ltd was found to have broken the H&S regulations over an 18-month period, including breaching an improvement notice. Between 29th August 2018 and 24th January 2020, the firm based at the Hammond Road, Knowsley Industrial Park, was served with a total of ten enforcement notices.
The HSE investigation found employees were exposed to H&S risks as there was no system in place to ensure H&S controls, and management didn’t have H&S competence and knowledge.
Securafence Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £90,000 plus costs of £6,017.
Emily Osbourne, HSE inspector said, “Those in control of work have a responsibility to identify risk and devise safe methods of working and to provide the necessary information, instruction and training to their workers in the safe system of working. Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take further appropriate enforcement action against those that continue to fall below the required standards or who fail to ensure sustained compliance.”
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