Builder fined for ignoring HSE warnings

A Cardiff construction site manager has been fined after failing to comply with two safety orders issued to protect workers from injury.

Mr Haider Zaman, 53, trading as Pride Builders, was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for ignoring two improvement notices served while he was refurbishing two residential properties in the Cathays area of Cardiff.

During an unannounced inspection of the two sites on 1 March 2011, HSE inspectors found sub-standard safety measures in relation to working at height, asbestos safety and structural stability and issued three prohibition notices ordering Mr Zaman to cease work immediately.

Two improvement notices relating to asbestos safety training and health and safety competence training were subsequently served to Mr Zaman.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector David Kirkpatrick said: "HSE inspectors take enforcement action where the risks justify the action to ensure that people's health and safety is not put at risk.

"We cannot tolerate non-compliance with enforcement notices and will prosecute. The enforcement notices in this case are two of many served by HSE construction inspectors during a recent focus on the construction and refurbishment industry in Cardiff.

"Construction is a high risk industry and if workers are not to die or suffer life-changing injury, it is essential that everyone meets basic and sensible standards of safety."

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