£30m construction firm dragged to court

£30m construction firm dragged to court



A £30 million construction firm and its Founder has been fined along over poor standards… .


A £30 million construction firm and its Founder has been fined along over poor standards.

Managing Director and Founder of K W Bell Group Ltd, Keith Bell, 74, of Elton, Gloucestershire, were fined for safety and welfare issues at a construction site near Cinderford. The firm is understood to enjoy a £30 million turnover whilst employing 300 members of staff.

Concerns were raised at the new build site of five homes on Hudson Lane, Buckshaft, during a site visit on 11 December 2013.

HSE Inspector Sue Adsett said: “The excavation work, in particular, was a major cause for concern because there was clear evidence of excavation entry without adequate precautions,”

“The consequences of the sides of the excavation collapsing on someone could have been devastating, and precautions, such as a trench box, could have easily been provided mentioned in the company’s own method statement.”

On 26th January, both the firm and MD accepted that site welfare and safety standards fell short and that the offences were attributable to Mr Bell.

According to the inspector, the welfare failings, no toilet or hand washing facilities for four months.

“Construction workers need access to hot running water and washing facilities in order to remove potentially harmful dirt and dust before they eat and drink. It is a clear legal requirement, and both parties should have known that as experienced developers.”

Following the visit, the HSE served two notices, including one which sought to halt excavation work with immediate effect until the excavations were supported correctly.

K W Bell Group Ltd, of Whimsey Industrial Estate, Cinderford, pleaded guilty to two separate breaches of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay £765.

Keith Bell was ordered to pay just over £12,500 after pleading guilty to the same breaches.

The firm has worked with many major developers such as Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Taylor Wimpey.



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