Health and Safety Executive(HSE) recently reported that Auberne Homes Ltd, a Scottish housebuilder and W.E Lammie, a groundwork contractor were fined a combined £53,000.
The court heard that one of the groundwork’s employees was crushed severely and injured when an unsupported wall of the excavation collapsed.
The investigation held by HSE identified that the Principle Contractor failed their role. The appropriate employee training and supervision & management were not carried out during the excavation. The Principle Contractor failed to plan the precautions or practical steps necessary to prevent danger as well as not providing supports or batterings for the construction project.
Both parties were found guilty of breaching regulation 15(2) and 13(1) of the Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations 2015.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Duncan Officer said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided had the excavation work been properly planned and carried out by suitably trained individuals to ensure that the appropriate safety measures were implemented to prevent excavation collapse. Had the principal contractor carried out suitable checks they could have been identified that those carrying out the work were untrained and that safe working practices were not being followed on site.
“The requirement for control measures and safe working practices during excavation work are well-known in the construction industry. HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those responsible for the excavation works and those in control of the construction site where these required standards are not met.”
The CITB Site Managers Site Training Scheme (SMSTS) covers these topics in depth: groundworks, excavation, supervision and much more. Have a look here to find out more on how you can be a competent Site Manager for your site.
