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London builder prosecuted after repeatedly using unsafe scaffolding
Cristina Lago Deputy Editor
The unsafe scaffolding was at risk of collapse and in breach of the prohibition notice (Image: HSE)
A builder has been given a suspended prison sentence after he put the lives of workers at risk on a construction site in London
David Beadle, 63, trading as Beadle the Builders, failed to comply with a prohibition notice issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) concerning unsafe working at height at the site on Woodyates Road in south-east London.
Falls from height are the biggest single cause of fatal and serious injury in the construction industry, particularly on smaller projects. Over 60% of deaths during work at height involve falls, according to the HSE.
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An HSE investigation found Beadle allowed workers under his control on at least three occasions to continue using unsafe scaffolding that was not properly constructed.
HSE said it was a potentially dangerous structure at risk of collapse and in breach of the prohibition notice.
Beadle also failed to ensure that suitable and sufficient measures were in place to prevent workers from falling a distance that would have caused personal injury.
The HSE investigation found that no edge protection had been installed to the side of the roof, the flat dormer roof, the front elevation of the roof, and safe access was not provided (Image: HSE)
Beadle, of Rochester Way, London, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. He was also ordered to pay £6,043 in costs at the hearing at Bexley Magistrates’ Court on 7 August 2024.
He was given a 26-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was told to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
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