A property refurbishment firm and a roofing contractor have been fined after a labourer fell from scaffolding and sustained life-changing injuries.
The incident happened on 15 April 2024 at a project on Cathcart Hill, London, where the worker had been hired by Premier Property and Construction Limited.
The fall occurred during an unplanned lifting operation when a load became trapped. As the worker tried to release it, the force of the freed load pulled him over the scaffold edge.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found Premier Property and Construction Limited had failed to plan, manage and monitor lifting activities, including the use of suitable lifting equipment.
HSE also found that principal contractor Axis Europe Limited did not adequately oversee the work carried out by Premier. Investigators said lifting operations lacked sufficient detail and untested accessories were allowed to be used on site without challenge, falling short of expected safety standards.
Axis Europe Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The company was fined £640,000 and ordered to pay £4,787.59 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on 5 December 2025.
Premier Property and Construction Limited admitted breaching Regulation 15(2) of the same regulations. It was fined £160,000 and ordered to pay £4,787.59 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge at the same hearing.
HSE inspector Andrew Pipe said the accident was entirely avoidable and highlighted ongoing concerns about poorly planned or monitored construction work. He warned that both the courts and HSE take such failures seriously and will act against companies that do not properly protect workers.
The prosecution was led by HSE enforcement lawyer Arfaq Nabi and paralegal officer Mellisa Wardle.
