Firms rapped over unsafe city rail work

Two firms have been rapped over safety failings near Hereford railway station.

Birmingham-based Haak Scaffolding West Midlands was served an immediate prohibition notice for having “failed to consider risks associated with working on or near a live railway line”, or to have “implemented appropriate measures or a safe system of work to control the risk”.

The location of the offence, dated March 28, is given by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as Station Approach, Hereford, near the city station.

At the same location and date, JF Roofers of Worcester was served an immediate prohibition notice for having “failed to ensure that suitable and sufficient measures are taken to prevent persons from falling to the ground or onto the live railway line”.

An HSE spokesperson said they could not comment further on the two prohibition notices as they “relate to an ongoing investigation”.

Once this is concluded, HSE will decide whether there is sufficient evidence to bring about a prosecution for health and safety breaches, they added.

Attempts were made to contact the two companies.