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Suspended sentence for putting homeowner at risk of CO poisoning (14 November 2016)

Date: 14/11/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Suspended sentence for putting homeowner at risk of CO poisoning

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted a builder for putting a homeowner at risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning following renovations to their house in Cardiff.

Brian James was hired to carry out renovations to a bungalow in Cardiff –
specifically to install new plumbing and heating, including a boiler.

James admitted in court that, although he did not carry out the work himself, he employed a man he had never met before to carry out the work. He did not check that he was sufficiently competent, qualified or a Gas Safe registered engineer.

He took the man’s details from a board at a DIY store – and could not provide further details to the Health and Safety Executive, who investigated the incident.

The boiler had not been fitted with a thermostat and was not commissioned by a registered engineer.

At Cardiff Crown Court, Brian James of Llandudno Road, Rumney in Cardiff pleaded guilty to breaches of Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

He was sentenced to 32-week prison sentence suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 250 hours of community service. He was also fined £636 and ordered to pay costs of £5,344.29.

HSE inspector Simon Breen said:

“It is essential for public safety that gas appliances are only fitted competent, qualified and registered engineers.

“Anyone who is carrying out renovations to properties need to make sure they properly check anyone they bring in to carry out gas work, so people’s lives are not put at risk.”

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – No win no fee Carbon Monoxide Claims

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors can advise those who suffer injury as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation, including claims involving poor maintenance work by landlords, faulty boiler installations, faulty heating appliances and faulty equipment in holiday accommodation.

Carbon monoxide claims have to be made within three years of injury or diagnosis of injury – children can make personal injury claims up to the age of 21.

Duncan Lewis can also advise bereaved families whose loved one has lost their life as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by negligence on how to make a no win no fee Fatal Injuries Claim.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Carbon Monoxide Claims, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
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