Hostile Site Manager Fined After Threatening Inspectors with Violence

A site manager who falsely identified himself as "James Bond" has been ordered to pay over £10,500 after threatening Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors.

The Incident

On February 11, 2025, HSE inspectors observed dangerous working practices at a cottage refurbishment site in Rugeley, Staffordshire. Two workers were seen accessing a roof directly from the bucket of an excavator.

When inspectors intervened, site manager David Robert Lane, 59, attempted to obstruct them by:

• Refusing to give his real name, calling himself "James Bond.";

• Falsely claiming to be the property owner and stating the workers were unpaid friends; and

• Making threats of violence, forcing inspectors to withdraw for their safety.

Continued Obstruction

Inspectors returned a week later accompanied by Staffordshire Police. Lane continued to be obstructive, shouting "It’s PC Plod!" at officers, refusing to identify himself, and instructing his staff not to speak to the HSE.

Legal Consequences

Lane was served with enforcement action and subsequently prosecuted for obstruction under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Following his prosecution notice, he sent several expletive-laden emails to the HSE, stating he would not "jump through your hoops."

David Robert Lane was ordered to pay a total of £10,650 in penalties following his conviction for obstruction. This total consisted of a £3,000 fine, £6,450 in court costs, and a £1,200 victim surcharge.

HSE Response

HSE inspector Gareth Langston emphasized that the HSE will not tolerate the obstruction of its officials.

"HSE inspectors have an important job to do... We only take enforcement action when the circumstances require it... HSE will not tolerate the obstruction of its inspectors, and may prosecute offenders in rare cases such as this."