The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has stressed that they will not tolerate violence, aggression or abuse of its staff, after a man was arrested for a public order offence.
An inspector was carrying out an investigation into a Teesside waste and recycling site belonging to Jacob Alexander Thompson in August 2019. When arriving on-site, the inspector was subjected to repeated verbal abuse and offensive language and was physically threatened when Mr Thompson walked across the yard, stepped towards him and raised his fist as he aggressively told him to leave.
Mr Thompson was sentenced on Monday 17 February 2020, at Teesside Magistrates' Court, following an investigation by Cleveland Police. He pleaded guilty to an offence under the Public Order Act 1986 and was ordered to pay £100 compensation and costs of £85. He also received a conditional discharge of six months.
Principal inspector Victoria Wise commented: "Thompson’s aggression, threats and abuse were wholly unacceptable. The HSE will not tolerate any form of violence, aggression or abuse.
"Our inspectors are warranted to attend premises to carry out their job to ensure the safety and health of those working there. Any aggressive or violent words or actions taken against HSE staff in the course of their duties will be reported to the police."
