The contractor was fined £77,000 after the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) discovered “many” risks at one of his construction sites.

Abercorn Construction Limited has been renovating the site of a former tobacco warehouse in Liverpool when inspectors found damage to the cables on the 400-volt transformer, insufficient fire alarms, and lack of fire extinguishers and signs indicating emergency routes. They also marked unprotected edges and openings, which may expose workers to the risk of falling from heights.

A hearing in the Liverpool District Court was told that there was also a lack of adequate pedestrian and vehicle isolation, general chaos, insufficient light, and a high risk of contact with live conductors.

There are many exposed live wires, damaged electrical outlets, moldy dishwashers, and internal and external garbage in Abercorn's welfare cabins, which HSE says may attract pests.

Before the standards fell again, the inspection department warned the company about on-site problems, which were subsequently resolved.

Abercorn Construction of Bedford Street, Belfast pleaded guilty to violating Section 13(1) of the Building (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and Section 6(3) of the Aerial Work Regulations 2005. It was fined 77,000 pounds and ordered to pay more than 2,000 pounds.

HSE Inspector John Padfield said: “Good on-site health and safety management is essential to the successful delivery of construction projects. The general contractor is managing construction risks and providing strong leadership to ensure that standards are understood. And follow."

Construction News has contacted Abercorn Construction for comments.

Log in or register for a new account to join the discussion.