£24,000 health and safety fine for firm’s boss
THE managing director of a Royston-based freight company has been fined more than £24,000 for breaching health and safety guidelines. Christopher Synowiec, of Cam European Freight Services Ltd in Orchard Road, admitted four offences under Health and Safet
THE managing director of a Royston-based freight company has been fined more than £24,000 for breaching health and safety guidelines.
Christopher Synowiec, of Cam European Freight Services Ltd in Orchard Road, admitted four offences under Health and Safety at Work regulations and was fined £24,870, and ordered to pay £3,874.20 costs.
South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) brought the prosecution against the company following a routine visit to its Bassingbourn warehouse in March 2005.
Environmental health officers found problems with loose stock being inappropriately stacked and a lack of risk assessments.
A notice was served to rectify the problems, but a second visit proved that no action had been taken.
Cambridge magistrates took the unusual step of fining Mr Synowiec and not the company.
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Magistrates called the offences self-evident and reckless in nature.
They also said there had been a lack of action promoted by financial gain and this was a serious dereliction as an employer.
SCDC environmental health portfolio holder Cllr Ray Manning said: "Health and Safety at work is not an option - it's a must.
"The court's decision is a clear message to all firms that think they can cut health and safety corners and get away with it. They can't.
