A construction firm has been prosecuted after four workers fell down a ventilation shaft during a warehouse redevelopment project in London.

Leyland SDM (LSDM) of Fourth Way, Wembley, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 6 (3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Regulation 4 (1) of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. It was fined £450,000 with £1,038 in costs.

Westminster Magistrates Court heard how the firm was carrying out work to redevelop a warehouse in Wembley when the incident occurred.

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While four workers were trying to move a ventilation unit into position, the working platform became overloaded and gave way. Two of the four victims suffered leg fractures, while a broken collar bone were among the other injuries caused by the incident.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found LSDM had failed to properly plan both the work at height and the lifting operation, as well as failing to manage risks.

In addition, the company failed to have the right level of trained personnel and supervision in place to carry out these tasks safely and effectively.

HSE inspector Jack Wilby said: "The safety failings by this company are severe and it is lucky that the injuries were not more severe. This incident highlights the importance of planning work, in this case both for lifting operations and working from height, to ensure it is carried out safely."

(LM/MH)