Two firms have been fined after a worker was killed on a construction site in London.

777 Environmental admitted breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. and was fined £90,000.

777 Demolition and Haulage Co. of Beddington Lane, Croydon, Surrey denied the safety breaches charges but was found guilty and fined £125,000.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) were awarded over £167,000 in costs.

Southwark Crown Court heard electrician John Walker was working for 777 Environmental on a demolition site on Walworth Road, Elephant and Castle in August 2007.

He was working on an area of the site near to remote controlled demolition machines.


When the machine broke through a structural beam, they dislodged several concrete joists which struck Mr Walker who died at the scene.

The two companies were prosecuted by the HSE after it found principal contractor, 777 Demolition and Haulage Co, and subcontractor/sister firm 777 Environmental, failed to properly plan, manage and monitor the demolition of the structure.

The court was told the companies failed to prepare or implement an effective and safe system of work for the demolition, which ultimately allowed for an uncontrolled collapse to take place.

HSE stated that 777 Demolition and Haulage Co should have ensured that health and safety of those not in its employ, but affected by work at its site.

In addition, 777 Environmental failed to properly investigate the nature of the structure as demolition proceeded and to implement robust exclusion zones.

After the sentencing, HSE Principal Inspector Dominic Elliss said: "I hope this case sparks renewed focus by all in the construction industry on the importance of effective planning, constant review and robust supervision throughout demolition works.

"There are clear responsibilities laid down in law for all dutyholders undertaking construction works. It is vital that they all play their role effectively to manage risk and prevent entirely avoidable loss of life at work."

(LM/CD)