Dust storm brewing as health and safety proves a real pain in the back
Councillor dismisses builders’ claims as residents slam workers’ sloppy standards
Published: 11 June, 2010
by PETER GRUNER
A “HEALTH and safety” row erupted this week after builders working for Islington Council refused to put down protective dust sheets in people’s homes in case they trip on them.
The men are also refusing to move packing boxes and furniture, because they might injure their backs, it is claimed.
The row blew up after contractors working for housing agency Homes for Islington (HfI) began refurbishing blocks of flats in Pleasance Place off Essex Road, at the Angel.
Labour Councillor Gary Doolan blamed contracts signed under the previous Lib Dem administration and vowed to launch a debate on the issue at the next area committee.
One tenant, Debbie Lewis, ordered workmen out of her flat at Dawlish House two weeks ago after accusing them of putting her health and property at risk.
“I was told that the men ‘don’t do’ dust sheets because they are a trip hazard,” she said. “So is it alright for us to breath in dust and for it to go over our furniture? What about our health and safety?”
Mrs Lewis’s 13-year-old son, who has asthma, had to stay with relatives while the work was being done. She was meant to be having the flat re-wired and a new kitchen installed.
But she was unhappy with the work that had already been done.
She added: “After a day in my flat I asked them to leave. They were installing pipes. But instead of concealing it behind walls, which is what they should have done, it was placed along the surface of our walls. It is very unsightly.
“My flat looked like a doll’s house before they started. Now it looks more like a boiler house.”
To protect property, tenants must pack valuables into heavy packing cases and move their own furniture.
Pensioner Dorothy Ackerman, who has lived at the block for 40 years, said she was told she would have to pack and move the boxes and furniture herself.
“It was health and safety,” she said. “The workmen didn’t want to hurt their backs. I’ve got high blood pressure and blocked arteries but it was okay for me to move the boxes.”
She has now refused to allow the workmen to start refurbishing her flat.
She added: “I’ve seen what they’ve done to Debbie’s flat. I don’t want that.”
Islington’s tenant’s leader, Dr Brian Potter, who also lives in the block, is calling for a meeting with the HfI to discuss the problem.
“Not having dust sheets because they are a trip hazard is ridiculous,” he said. “A professional workman knows how to tuck a dust sheet in so that he or she doesn’t trip on it. Otherwise it means dust everywhere.
“He added that many of the elderly were promised with help in moving packing cases which hasn’t materialised. “The idea seems to be to get the work done quickly and cheaply,” he said.
Cllr Doolan said: “I’d like to see the risk assesment that says you can’t use dust sheets or move packing cases and furniture. It’s crap. They can use alternatives to dust sheets like plastic sheeting or boards.
“They don’t want to get the dust sheets out because it’s a time issue and time is money. But I’m really astonished that elderly people are expected to move packing cases and furniture.”
A spokeswoman for HfI said: “HfI are pleased to be carrying out significant improvements to homes, including those at Dawlish House. We work with residents and contractors to make sure building works to their homes and estates are completed to an agreed standard.
“If there are any concerns, as in this case, we respond to those on an individual basis to resolve the issue.
“HfI ask contractors to use dust sheets as much as possible. We ask residents to empty the contents of their furniture into boxes provided by contractors.
“The contractors’ staff will help residents move heavy furniture if they need assistance.”