15/02/2011 - Building 'left at risk of collapse'
A builder has appeared in court after he left a building at risk of collapse, putting workers and the public in danger.
Ian Behagg, who is based in Lincoln, allowed his workers to remove structural parts of a building without putting any temporary supports in place.
He was refurbishing homes in Sibthorp Street in Lincoln city centre when the site was visited by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in February 2010.
The HSE said Mr Behagg's employees were working at height without suitable protective equipment to prevent them falling and injuring themselves, Lincoln Magistrates' Court heard.
Mr Behagg, who trades from Unit 18, Lydon Business Park, Farrier Way, Lincoln, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 28(1) and 28(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. He was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,051.
Inspector Stephen Farthing said: "Mr Behagg's blatant disregard for health and safety put both workers and members of the public in danger. Had the building collapsed, the consequences might have been fatal.
"HSE will continue to clamp down on small construction companies which fail to take the health and safety of their employees and the public seriously."
Copyright © Press Association 2011
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