'James Bond' site manager fined after threatening HSE inspectors

A site manager has been fined after threatening Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors who challenged unsafe work at height on a refurbishment project in Staffordshire.

David Robert Lane, 59, was overseeing a major cottage refurbishment in Rugeley when two HSE inspectors – who were carrying out routine visits in the area – observed operatives accessing a roof from the bucket of an excavator.

Excavators are not designed for lifting people unless specifically adapted and used with appropriate lifting accessories, planning, and controls. Using a plant bucket as an access platform exposes workers to fall risks, instability, and lack of fall protection.

Recognising the immediate risk, inspectors entered the site to intervene.

With around 10 workers present, Lane approached the inspectors. He refused to give his real name, instead claiming to be 'James Bond'. He told inspectors he was the property owner, that those on site were unpaid friends and relatives, and that the HSE had no legal authority to inspect.

He then made threats of violence, causing inspectors to withdraw from the site for their own safety.

A week later, inspectors returned with officers from Staffordshire Police. Lane greeted them by shouting "It’s PC Plod!" and again refused to identify himself. He instructed workers not to speak to the HSE except to state they were relatives and not working.

He continued to deny inspectors’ right of entry and asked them to leave.

Following further enquiries, the HSE established that Lane was the site manager and served enforcement action.

Lane was prosecuted under two counts of section 33(1)(h) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 for obstructing an inspector. After being notified of the prosecution, he sent three expletive-filled emails to the HSE, stating: "I won’t jump through your hoops."

He failed to attend Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on two occasions. On 9 January 2026, he was tried in his absence and found guilty. He was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £6,450 in costs.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Gareth Langston said: "HSE inspectors have an important job to do in safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of people at work. We conduct more than 13,000 inspections every year, and it is through this proactive engagement that we help employers improve how they work.

"We will not tolerate the obstruction of inspectors and may prosecute in cases such as this, where it is necessary."