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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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 NortonEditorhttps://www.scaffmag.com
Dan our Editor looks after Scaffmag's daily news service, he started his career as a scaffolder before creating and founding Scaffmag in 2008. Dan now spends his days visiting projects and writing about the scaffolding and access industry.

Most popular ↑

M R Scaffolding named Access & Scaffolding Specialist of the Year

M R Scaffolding Services has been crowned Access & Scaffolding Specialist of the Year at the 2026 Construction News Specialists Awards, with Allen & Foxworthy also taking home a major project award.

Scafom-rux to launch new VECTA roof and beam system at ScaffEx26

Scafom-rux will use ScaffEx26 in Manchester to launch VECTA, a new aluminium temporary roof and beam system designed around shared components and larger clear spans.

Australian scaffolding group enters administration with over 650 jobs at risk

A group of companies linked to one of Australia’s...

NASC adds 1.5m lifts and returns to TG20 ePortal

NASC has updated TG20 in its ePortal to include 1.5m lift heights and scaffold returns, following feedback from users across the industry.

CISRS announces plans to leave CSCS in 2027

CISRS plans to end its CSCS licence agreement in June 2027 and change its name, saying scaffolders should be able to work across different industries under one competence card.

Latest news

NASC adds 1.5m lifts and returns to TG20 ePortal

NASC has updated TG20 in its ePortal to include 1.5m lift heights and scaffold returns, following feedback from users across the industry.
- Advertisement -
More from

£500k scaffolding package opens on major North Somerset campus

A £500,000 scaffolding package is among a series of opportunities being brought to market for Epic Systems’ new European headquarters near Bristol, with local contractors being urged to register their interest.

Major fire hits scaffolding yard in Mitcham

Around 125 firefighters were deployed to a major fire in Mitcham that affected a scaffolding yard, workshop and nearby property, with investigators now examining the cause of the blaze.

NASC calls for HSE funding boost and national scaffolding training network

The NASC has called for increased HSE funding, a nationwide network of scaffolding training providers and stronger protections for contractors as it launches its updated 2026 manifesto.

Bamboo scaffolder recounts dismantling fire-damaged Wang Fuk Court

Hong Kong scaffolder Yip Hon-ying has described how a 30-strong team spent 3 months removing fire-damaged bamboo scaffold from 7 blocks at Wang Fuk Court.
Latest articles