Bit of background - we live on a social housing estate. Our house (and several others in the vicinity) are undergoing repairs/improvements to our flat roofs, so we have scaffolding erected and supplies left outside in various places. These repairs are being carried out by a well-known contractor (not our social landlord).
This morning we had some rather strong winds. After hearing an almighty crash in my front garden, I rushed out to find a rather large and sharp piece of aluminium (an angled corner piece from the roof fascia is the best way to describe it) had landed just a few feet from my front door. Within half an hour, several large insulation boards (about 1.5x1m) had blown from the roof of my house and were being tumbled around the street.
Very concerned, I tried to call the "liaison officer" from the construction company to ask what could be done to make it safe. Went to answering machine, so I called emergency repairs for social landlord who were able to get hold of someone and (I presume) also contacted out council's environmental safety officer.
A little while later, we heard more bangs. More panels had blown down from the roof. Went outside to take more photos (as evidence for my formal complaint) and saw the safety officer doing the same. He explained he'd just been hit in the face by another panel, and took shelter under our porch while he called the construction company to see what could be done.
The jist of what I heard from one side of the conversation was very worrying!
- That the call-centre operator was unable or unwilling? to provide contact information for someone in construction company who could make the site safe today
- She also implied that the safety officer was exaggerating about the danger to residents and property
- The impression that (no matter what) staff from construction company do not come to site on weekends
- Suggestion that the fire brigade could come to make the site safe!
- That the contracted company had sub-contracted this job out to /another/ company, and that communication was so stark that no-one really understands whose responsibility it is to make the site safe!
The council safety officer reassured me that he'd do all he can to make sure the site was safe for today, took lots of photos and will be making lots of noise when he goes into the office tomorrow! Luckily, the winds have died down - for now! But as yet no-one from the company has been to make the site safe, nor do I expect anything more will happen until tomorrow. We have more wind forecast for tonight, the boards on the scaffolding are all over the place, and I can see more unsecured aluminium and insulation panels from the top bedroom windows which could easily take a flight if it gets gusty again.
Clearly, the site should have been made safe on Friday... But AIBU to think the construction company should have been able to make this right today?