In a collaboration between Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the construction company behind the development of a warehouse in Preston has been successfully prosecuted for repeated failures in providing required fire safety measures.
In May 2023, LFRS found a number of fire safety issues during a visit to the project to convert the site at Glovers Court from a warehouse to a six-floor, 35 apartment residential premises. Finding the issues to be serious enough, LFRS issued a prohibition notice and residents already living at the site were required to leave.
As the project was still ongoing, the HSE performed a follow up inspection, where further fire safety failings were uncovered in relation to the construction work. The issues identified included no fire detection system, no means of raising the alarm in case of a fire, inadequate escape plans, as well as construction work not being phased to ensure fire compartmentation was maintained throughout the project.
A further prohibition notice was issued by the HSE, preventing construction work from continuing and an improvement notice required the developers, Glovers Court Ltd, to design and implement a fire management plan.
However, during follow up visits by the HSE to the site in June and November 2023 it was uncovered that construction had continued and no work had been done to remedy the fire safety issues identified, in breach of both notices.
The case was heard at Preston Magistrates’ Court on 26 June, where Glovers Court Ltd, which has since gone into liquidation, was found guilty in its absence on four charges of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act and were fined £165,000 and ordered to pay £10,512 in costs.
In a statement on the case, HSE inspector Christine McGlynn said “This company showed a blatant disregard to both fire safety and the laws in place to protect both people and places.
“Each year there are estimated to be hundreds of fires on construction sites, potentially putting the lives of workers and members of the public at risk.
“Any outbreak of fire threatens the safety of those on site and is costly in terms of its damage and delay. Many can be avoided by careful planning and control of work activities.”
A spokesperson for LFRS added: “This prosecution highlights the positive outcomes multi agency working has for fire safety in Lancashire.
“It also highlights the critical importance property developers, owners and managers must give to fire safety.
“We welcome the court’s recognition of the seriousness of these breaches and hope this serves as a clear message to all about their legal and moral responsibilities.”
Image from HSE