Director and company fined after unsafe working at height work

A London construction company and its director have been fined after workers were exposed to serious fall risks during extension and refurbishment works at what is now the Kings Cross Express Inn. HSE launched an investigation after members of the public reported unsafe roof work and submitted photographs showing operatives working at height without adequate protection.

The investigation found that workers had no effective measures in place to prevent falls from height, including a lack of edge protection and safe roof access. Operatives were also photographed using a makeshift platform balanced on a stepladder. Despite repeated concerns, enforcement action and guidance from HSE, unsafe working practices continued.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and was fined £4,020, while the company director pleaded guilty to a health and safety offence and was fined £2,300, ordered to pay £8,000 in costs and a surcharge. HSE said both had put workers’ lives at risk and stressed that falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace death and injury.

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