London developer fined after required roof scaffold was never provided

A London developer and its director have been fined after unsafe roof work continued despite a subcontractor’s risk assessment identifying scaffolding as a required control.

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A London property developer and its director have been fined after workers carried out roof work without edge protection despite a risk assessment identifying scaffolding as a necessary safety measure.

B&O Developers Ltd and director Sanjay Swaminarayan were prosecuted following work at a property that is now the Kings Cross Express Inn.

The Health and Safety Executive said members of the public photographed workers on the roof without suitable edge protection. Images also showed a makeshift working platform balanced on a stepladder.

The roofing subcontractor’s own risk assessment had identified scaffolding around the roof as a control measure, but the scaffold was not provided.

HSE inspectors had already intervened over work at the site before further unsafe activity was reported in January 2024.

B&O Developers was fined £4,020 and ordered to pay a £1,608 surcharge. Swaminarayan was fined £2,300, ordered to pay £8,000 in costs and received a £1,108 surcharge.

Public court records show both B&O Developers and Swaminarayan were listed for hearings at City of London Magistrates’ Court on 13 July 2026.

HSE inspector Lucy Ellison-Dunn said: “The working practices of both the company and Swaminarayan put lives at risk.

“Swaminarayan was fully aware of the requirements for safe work at height, having been given guidance from both HSE and his own health and safety advisors on several occasions.

“Despite repeated assurances to improve work practices, he failed to ensure that suitable controls were in place to prevent falls and did not properly supervise those he employed to manage and carry out the work.

“I would like to thank those concerned members of the public who got in touch with HSE to let us know.

Daniel Norton
Daniel NortonFounder & Editorhttps://www.scaffmag.com
Daniel Norton is the founder and editor of Scaffmag and Editor-in-Chief of Scaffold & Access Magazine. A former scaffolder, he founded Scaffmag in 2008 and now leads its news and editorial coverage of the global scaffolding and access industry, including safety, regulation, business, innovation and major industry events.

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