A housing developer has been fined after inspectors found what a judge described as a “total disregard” for basic site safety on a live project.
The case followed an inspection by the Health and Safety Executive, which uncovered multiple failings in the way work was being managed and controlled. Issues highlighted in court included inadequate protection against falls from height and poor segregation of operatives from vehicle movements.
The developer was prosecuted under health and safety legislation and received a financial penalty alongside an order to pay costs. The court was told that the firm had failed to put in place straightforward measures that are standard across the industry.
In sentencing, the judge said the company’s approach showed a “total disregard” for the safety of workers and others affected by the works. The ruling underlines continuing regulatory focus on basic site controls, with HSE reiterating that developers and principal contractors must ensure risks are properly assessed and managed throughout construction.
