A contractor in the North West has been sentenced after multiple safety failings that resulted in disrupted electricity services and disturbed asbestos.
The company had been contracted to clear some land to be reused and demolish a former medical centre in Blackburn.
Four different incidents occurred over the period between 15 November and 6 December with an excavator causing severe damage to a sub-station and underground cables. The damage led to a loss of electricity in the local area and repair costs of £49,000 for the electricity supplier. Along with this, Peter Walling's company potentially exposed workers to asbestos when they removed materials containing asbestos before taking an asbestos survey.
After an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) it was discovered that before starting work Mr Walling did not make sure all services were disconnected. He also refused to stop work in a dangerous area until police attended the scene after several warnings from Electricity North West that low voltage cables had been dug up which had caused damage to a sub-station. Workers were put at risk when a safe system of work was not put in place when operating near to underground cables and also left vulnerable to possible asbestos exposure.
Peter Andrew Walling pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and received a ten-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, was sentenced to 200 hours unpaid work and was ordered to pay costs of £7,000.
The HSE inspector commented:
"These incidents could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices. Mr Walling recklessly failed to heed warnings and advice and put not only himself but also others on site at risk of electrocution and risk of exposure to asbestos containing materials. Contractors should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards."
