LADDERS AND SCAFFOLDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18553, 10 November 1923, Page 12

LADDERS AND SCAFFOLDS.

BREACH OF REGULATIONS.

HAMILTON BUILDER FINED.

(BX TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON. Friday.

The first case of its kind in New Zealand under the Scaffolding and Excavation Act came before Mr. H. A. Young, S.M., to-day, when E. N. Wifloughby, "builder, was charged by the scaffolding inspector, Mr. A. D. Sneddon, 'with main taining ladders on his jobs which did not comply with the regulations under the Act. The inspector said that he had during the past six months found it necessary to take exception to the condition of ladders on six different jobs controlled by defendant. The ladders were maSe of totara, which was quite unsatisfactory for the purpose, while their construction was not according to regulations. The steps were not wired, as required, nor of the correct size.

Defendant was also charged with erecting a scaffold for carpenters' use contrary to the requirements of the regulations. Mr. ' Sneddon said the scaffolding on the particular job was about lift, high and should have had a working platform 18in. wide and have been provided with a guard rail. The platform, however, was merely a single plank, and there was no' guard rail. The regulations must be complied with irrespectively of the height of the scaffolding. Both breaches were admitted.

The magistrate said that the maximum penalty was £20. The inspector said his department was determined to see the regulations were enforced, and towards this every assistance would be given by the Court, the present case was the first of its kind, however, defendant would be fined merely £5 and costs on the first and £2 and costs on the second charge.