A construction firm has been fined £10,000 for unsafe refurbishment work.

Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) established that safety standards were lacking at a property undergoing an extensive overhaul in Newton Avenue, Acton, between July 2013 to January 2014.

A basement was excavated without any form of propping or temporary works to provide vital support, and later in the project the risk of falls from height was also found to be poorly managed.


Westminster Magistrates' Court heard that FN Property Limited also failed to hold any valid Employers Liability Compulsory Insurance for its workforce, which is a legal requirement to support workers in the event of an incident occurring.

HSE twice served Prohibition Notices to stop work linked to the refurbishment during visits in January 2014 to prevent the risk of falls from height.

The first visit followed a complaint from workers at the site about unsafe excavations where there was a serious risk of collapse.

FN Property Limited, of Askew Road, Shepherd's Bush, W12, was also ordered to pay a further £1,213.

(CD/MH)