February 9, 2011 10.15 am This story is over 157 months old

City builder fined for endangering public

Public danger: A Lincoln builder has been fined over £3,000 for putting workers and the public in danger.

A Lincoln-based builder has been fined for putting workers and the public in danger by leaving a building at risk of collapse in the city.

Ian Behagg, who trades from Unit 18, Lydon Business Park, Farrier Way, Lincoln was fined over £3,000 at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on February 7.

He was refurbishing residential premises on Sibthorp Street (pictured) in February 2010, when the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) made an inspection.

Magistrates heard how Behagg had allowed workers to remove structural parts of a building without supporting it properly.

They failed to use temporary supports, putting both themselves and members of the public in danger, the court heard.

Workers were also found to be working at height without suitable protective equipment to prevent them falling and injuring themselves.

HSE 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.”

Ian Behagg pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 28(1) and 28(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

He was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,051.

Source: Health and Safety Executive