Site manager David Robert Lane repeatedly obstructed inspectors after they were carrying out routine inspections in the area.

In February 2025, the inspectors were in Rugeley, Staffordshire, when they saw two people accessing the roof of a cottage refurbishment from the bucket of an excavator.

When they intervened, Lane — who was overseeing the site — refused to identify himself and told them all the workers were unpaid family and friends. Matters then escalated, with Lane telling them they had no legal right to inspect and made threats of violence.

Lane continued to not cooperate when the inspectors returned with Staffordshire police.

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When he was finally identified, HSE served him with an enforcement notice. Upon receiving notification that he would be prosecuted for the offence of obstruction under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, Lane responded with expletive-laden emails and said: “I won’t jump through your hoops.”

Lane failed to attend Birmingham Magistrates Courts on two occasions and, on the latter on 9th January 2026, was fined £3,000. He was also to pay full costs of £6,450 and a victim surcharge of £1,200.

“HSE inspectors have an important job to do, in safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of people at work,” said Gareth Langston, HSE inspector.

“We accept that not all employers will be pleased to see us, but the vast majority are professional and accept us with good grace.

“HSE will not tolerate the obstruction of its inspectors, and may prosecute offenders in rare cases such as this, where this is necessary.”

This HSE prosecution was brought by enforcement lawyer Edward Parton and paralegal officer Hannah Snelling.