Demolition company fined for health and safety breach

Kenneth Martin & Company have been fined for a breach of health and safety regulations by Newtownards Magistrates.

The company admitted failing to take all practical steps to prevent an unplanned collapse of part of a first-floor wall and were fined £750 when they appeared at Newtownards Magistrates Court on August 12.

The company was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland following an investigation into the partial collapse of a wall during the demolition of a building at 57 High Street, Newtownards, on May 1 2001. A 76-year-old woman was injured as a result of the incident.

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) have warned that employers have a legal responsibility to not only ensure the safety of their employees but also that of any members of the public who may be affected by their work activities.

The incident occurred when an excavator was being used to demolish the back wall and an internal stud wall of a building while the partially demolished front wall was in an unstable condition - as a result part of the front wall collapsed.

The rubble from the collapse knocked down the middle section of the site hoarding and the plywood canopy over the covered walkway, injuring an elderly pedestrian who had been passing the site. She had to be taken to hospital.

Ken Logan, Head of the HSENI’s Construction Group, said: “This accident could easily have led to another tragic death. The dangers of demolition work are well known in the construction industry and companies have a legal duty to ensure that members of the public are not put in danger. This includes having the correct precautions in place and ensuring appropriate supervision.

"HSENI will continue to pursue companies who disregard their health and safety responsibilities and, where appropriate, this may result in prosecution."

He added: “The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland has a vast range of construction health and safety information available free of charge, as part of its information and advisory services."

The HSENI Information and Advice Helpline is on 0800 032 0121.

(SP)