Grantech Ltd

In 2014 the Client had an HSE inspection that found Lifting equipment had not been inspected as required by LOLER and an improvement notice was issued.  Then in 2018 they were subject to another inspection and they again found equipment in use that hadn’t been inspected and three items that during previous 2 inspection had failed but were still in use.  The HSE decided to prosecute them under HASAWA 1974 and LOLER 98 on 20^th March 2019.

Company failed to undertake safety checks 

A granite worktop manufacturer has been fined after failing to ensure that lifting equipment was examined and maintained to ensure it was safe to use. 

Grantech Limited did not have regular statutory examinations carried out on lifting equipment. It also failed to carry out repairs when defects had been found. 

Following an inspection on 18th June 2018 by the HSE at the site in Buckley. it was discovered that the examinations were not carried out at the required six monthly intervals and when they were carried out the same faults were reported, as the company were not taking action to effect the repairs. 

Grantech Limited of Specncer's Industrial Estate, Buckley pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 5 (1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and Regulation 9 (3) of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. The company was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,906.

Speaking after the case HSE Inspector Mhairi Duffy said "This prosecution could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices. Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those who fall below the required standards."

Grantech signed a safety agreement with us in Jan 2019 where we set a Policy Documents and carried our regular audits to ensure continued compliance.  The first audit identified failings in guarding and isolation under PUWER on a Grinder and Pillar Drill via Immediate Risk Notification (IRN020).   Since then audits have been satisfactory with minor issues raised.