Health and Safety
Executive / Commission
Press releases
HSE-E69:08 28 April 2008
Following the recent prosecution of builder and roofer David Johnson, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is issuing a warning to anyone that has had work carried out by him.
Mr Johnson was found to be guilty of Gross Negligence Manslaughter following the death of a resident after he had worked on a house chimney. He was also found to be guilty of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974.
The chimney was found to be structurally unsafe, and the flue within the chimney was found to be blocked, resulting in carbon monoxide fumes being released into the house, killing the occupant.
If you have had work done by Mr Johnson, who traded as Merlin Building and Roofing Contractors, that could have affected a flue connected to a gas appliance, HSE advice is to ensure that the appliance and flue are checked by a CORGI registered installer. To find a registered installer, visit: www.trustcorgi.com or telephone 0800 915 0485.
If you are concerned regarding other building work done by Mr Johnson, you should contact your local building control office. To find your local building control office, visit:
www.planningportal.gov.uk or telephone 01733 453422 (Peterborough), 01354 654321 (Fenland).
Consumers should be vigilant of gas safety when having any type of building work done, as flues and ventilation can easily become blocked if the builder isn't aware of gas appliances.
John Stevenson
01223 372790
HSE’s InfoLine 0845 3450055
Caerphilly Business Park,
Caerphilly
CF83 3GG
Issued on behalf of HSE by COI East