Firm and director fined after lives endangered during unsafe roof work
Summary
A London construction company and its director were fined after unsafe roof work at a north London refurbishment and extension project exposed workers to serious fall-from-height risks. The HSE said repeated concerns had been raised over an extended period, but adequate controls such as edge protection, safe access and scaffolding were still not in place when further unsafe work was identified in January 2024.
Why it matters
Surveyors involved in residential refurbishment, defect inspection or project oversight should note the enforcement action and the HSE’s emphasis on basic fall-prevention measures. The case reinforces the need to identify unsafe access arrangements, inadequate edge protection and poor supervision where roof works are being undertaken.
Key points
- HSE prosecuted a company and its director after unsafe roof work put lives at risk.
- No effective fall protection, safe roof access or edge protection was in place.
- The project had already attracted multiple public complaints and HSE interventions.
- The company pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
- The director was also fined under health and safety legislation for failing to ensure safe systems of work.
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