The HSE issued a prohibition notice to Merlin Homes (Wales) Ltd on 12 February 2010 to stop work behind its development at Parc Y Bryn, off North Road in Aberystwyth, as there was a risk that a bank behind the properties could collapse.
Merlin Homes had failed to take steps to prevent materials falling from the slope endangering employees working below it.
However, the company ignored the enforcement notice and continued to make employees work under the dangerous bank, Aberystwyth Magistrates' Court heard.
Merlin Homes (Wales) Ltd, of Glanyrafon Industrial Estate, Aberystwyth pleaded guilty to contravening the prohibition imposed by HSE by allowing people to work in a prohibited area under Section 33(1) of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £7,700 costs.
After sentencing, HSE inspector Philip Nicolle said: "Having received a prohibition notice the company should have followed procedures and put correct working practices in place. But they ignored this binding legal order and continued putting contractors at risk from falling or dislodged materials in full knowledge of the potential dangers.
"This is clearly unacceptable and companies should be aware that ignoring enforcement notices and putting workers at serious risk will see them in court."
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