Director Fined for Smoking at Desk

An anonymous complaint to the HSE led to a company director being
fined for smoking in his office after council officers visited the
firm.

Metric Scaffolding of Preston, Lancashire, was reminded of their
responsibilities under the smoke-free legislation back in November
2008, after the council was informed that the firm's staff smoked
frequently in the office and in the company vehicles.

Enforcement Officers re-visited the premises in January 2009 and found
Martin Lenehan, Operations Director, smoking at his desk.

An on the spot penalty of £50 was issued to Mr Lenehan, which he
refused to pay, and subsequently a court date was appointed. On 11th
June 2009, South Ribble Magistrates, found Mr Lenehan guilty in his
absence of smoking in a smoke-free area. He was fined £175 plus costs
of £75.

Councillor Peter Mullineaux commented "This latest conviction will
hopefully serve as a reminder to the small minority of employers who
are not observing the smoke-free legislation that they have a legal
duty to comply and will be prosecuted if they do not."