Lancing company in court for health and safety failings

Astra Demolition Limited (ADL) was carrying out demolition work in Wordsworth Road, Worthing, without using "edge" protection or scaffolding.

The company appeared at Worthing Magistrates' Court today (Wednesday, February 20) in a case bought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

ADL was charged with three offences under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 Act. The company's owner, Mark Fowler, pleaded guilty to all three counts.

The court ruled ADL should pay fines of 3,000 for failure to properly plan, supervise and conduct work in a safe manner; 3,000 for failure to protect the safety and prevent injury to the employees; and a further 4,000 for failing to prevent injury to the public.

The court heard that due to the lack of safety measures such as netting, building materials had fallen from the roof.

The company was also ordered to pay costs of 5,839.25.

HSE inspector Denis Bodger said: "This case demonstrates the importance in properly planning and supervising work at height which is one of the largest causes of work place accidents. If anyone can fall and be injured, or material could fall and cause injury then the system of work is inadequate."

Magistrate Robert Evans added: "Demolition is a dangerous business. The falling debris could easily have killed someone."

*For the full story, see next week's Worthing Herald (February 28).