Firm fined for risking householder carbon monoxide poisoning

A company has been dealt a fine after it risked the health of a number of householders in Birmingham.

During a recent hearing, Wates Construction - a firm with roots tracing back to 1897 - was ordered to pay £7,000 plus costs of £2,491.

The prosecution relates to work conducted between June and September 2006.

Subcontractors working for Wates Construction carried out alterations to a number of bungalows which disrupted the integrity of warm air flues, potentially causing a build-up of carbon monoxide in the loft spaces.

"The dangers of damaging flues are well known in the building and refurbishment trade. Such dangerous work ... puts lives at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning," stated Health and Safety Executive inspector Mike Ford.

According to figures cited by the executive, around 25 people in the UK die each year as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.

22/07/2008 15:02