Dangerous work - how to report

[45140]

The work is out of scope for HSE but within the scope of the LA for enforcement.
It would be nigh on impossible to Prosecute the cowboy who did the work until and unless there were injuries in which case police-based criminal charges would be levelled.
What the LA can, and will probably seriously consider if they get involved is a prosecution of your acquaintance for key breaches of the CDM Regs, which in turn will invoke the EAWR.
If I were enforcing the law I would Prosecute him without a second's thought, and ask for exemplary fines to set an example. Fines are now based on the turnover of a business and are unlimited. Offences created through engaging non-competent contractors go down at a Magistrates Court like a pork pie at a Bar Mitzvah.

From the HSE website,
When do a commercial client’s duties start and finish?
A commercial client’s duties begin from the very start of a project, ie as soon as there has been a decision to go ahead with the project and early planning and design work begins. A client’s duties continue to the end of a project and beyond. The commercial client will continue to have responsibility for health and safety issues that arise from the maintenance and use of the building after construction work is finished. This responsibility continues until the client disposes of their interest in the building.
I would advise him to shut up shop immediately and get the work completed properly, especially as at this point his Insurers will walk away from any liability - meaning he is also not now insured, and in breach of insurance requirements. Given it is a bar, and the type of customer, there is a high risk of danger and now that fines are no longer maximised but based on turnover, and everyone is short of money, H&S is now being seen more and more as a money earner.
Believe me that your acquaintance is in very deep sh*t.

 

[FatAlan]

Have a word with the acquaintance that owns the bar. Raise your concerns with them about the dangers and the fact that insurances will be invalidated etc.