Lack of washing facilities nets £2,000 fine

A Bristol building firm has been fined £2,000 for failing to provide basic washing and welfare facilities for workers.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visited CR Construction (SW) last June at its building site in Clifton, Bristol “and found completely inadequate washing and bathroom facilities”, according to a statement from the HSE.

Bristol Magistrates’ Court heard that the company managers knew exactly what the requirements were because an Improvement Notice was earlier issued at another site run by the company.

On further investigation, the HSE inspectors found the failings had been apparent at the Clifton site for the year it had existed, the HSE statement said.

The court heard up to 16 building people worked on site and facilities were way below the minimum requirements.

"Workers on sites such as these need access to clean and working toilets and hand washing facilities with hot and cold running water, soap and towels, as many materials used on such sites can cause skin problems,” said HSE inspector Sue Adsett.

"It is also a legal requirement to have a heated room on site where workers can change, rest, and make hot drinks and food if required."

Other news for Tuesday, 31 January 2012

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