A Cheltenham firm has been fined for repeatedly ignoring an important safety law.

Welsted Joinery of 31 Cutlers Road, pleaded guilty to two breaches of Regulation 9(3) of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 and one breach of Regulation 9(2) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.

It was fined £5,000 for each offence with costs of over £2,000.


The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted the firm for repeatedly failing to have its systems on its local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system for extracting wood dust and lifting equipment on its rider operated trucks thoroughly examined.

Chelmsford Magistrates Court was told how previous enforcement notices had been issued on these matters and others over a period of ten years identified in a number of inspection visits to the company.

HSE Inspector Saffron Turnell said: "This case sends out a clear message that HSE will prosecute when Inspectors find serious health and safety failings particularly when previous enforcement and advice has been provided."

(LM)