A Stockport-based housing developer has been prosecuted for widespread safety failings at two construction sites in Preston and Tarporley.

Sherwood Homes has been fined £76,000 with over £14,651 in costs after being found guilty of breaching Regulation 6 (2), Regulation 6(3) and two breaches of Regulation 4 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court heard how the company had appointed several principal contractors to build numerous domestic properties at the two sites.

Proactive inspections by the Health and Safety Executive at both sites found those working on site were exposed to risks that included falls from height, electrocution, inhalation of silica dust and being struck by construction plant. As a result, enforcement action was taken against the principal contractors involved and Sherwood Homes.

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Overall, the HSE investigation found the company failed to make suitable arrangements for managing the projects. There was no F10 notice of construction work displayed, and there were insufficient welfare facilities at the Tarporley site. The company also failed to give notice in writing to HSE before the construction phase began at the Preston site.

In addition, a further investigation discovered that since early 2014, HSE conducted nine inspections to four separate sites developed on behalf of Sherwood Homes. During these visits, 16 enforcement notices and nine notifications of contraventions were served for various health and safety breaches.

HSE inspector Susan Ritchie said: "Clients cannot delegate their health and safety responsibilities. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 places clear duties on clients making them accountable for the impact their decisions and approach have on the health, safety and welfare of their project.

"In general terms, the client must ensure that the construction project is set up so that it is carried out from start to finish in a way that adequately controls the risk to health and safety of those who may be affected by it. In order to achieve this they must engage others (such as designers and principal contractors) that have the necessary skills, knowledge, training and organisational capabilities to fulfil their responsibilities under CDM and deliver the project safely on behalf of the client.

"If the client fails to do this, HSE will consider taking enforcement action against them."

(LM/MH)