In this case the Company and its Director have been fined after failing to comply with Improvement Notices (IN) issued by the HSE.
Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard that Rochdale MOT Centre Limited and its Director failed to comply with three Improvement Notices that required the Thorough Examination of three two-post vehicle lifts by the specified dates in the Notices. HSE investigated the premises in Rochdale after being alerted to the company by the Local Authority. A failure to comply with an Improvement Notice is in itself a criminal offence; being a breach of Section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The business and its Director was ordered to pay fines of £1,500 and £3,000 respectively. Both defendants were also ordered to pay the full costs of £15,609.14.
Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Sarah Taylor said: “This case highlights the impact of HSE’s work, ensuring duty holders are held to account for their failings and taking the appropriate action to ensure workers safety.” She added; “All workers have the right to return home from work safe and healthy, both the company and director in this case placed employees at risk of harm by failing to address concerns raised by HSE inspectors
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