Firm and director fined for unsafe roof work at Kings Cross Inn
B&O Developers Ltd and Sanjay Swaminarayan penalised after HSE investigation found workers at risk.
Incident → evidence → outcomeB&O Developers Ltd and its director, Sanjay Swaminarayan, have been fined for putting workers' lives at risk through unsafe roof work at the Kings Cross Express Inn on Kings Cross Road. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) brought the prosecution following an investigation into concerns about dangerous practices during extension and refurbishment work.
Investigation into unsafe practices
The HSE began investigating after receiving photos in January 2024 that showed workers operating on the roof without essential safety measures, such as edge protection. Images also revealed a lack of safe access, with operatives photographed standing on a makeshift platform balanced on a stepladder. An investigation by the HSE found that no measures were in place to prevent falls from height on at least two separate occasions. Crucially, safety measures identified in the roofing subcontractor’s risk assessment, including scaffolding, were not implemented.
The project, which ran from October 2020 to March 2024, was initially managed by Hubb Construction Ltd. B&O Developers Ltd became the principal contractor in March 2023, with Mr Swaminarayan serving as the sole director. HSE inspectors had previously addressed public concerns and taken enforcement action against both companies between November 2021 and September 2023. However, further unsafe work was reported in January 2024, leading to the current penalties.
Fines and penalties
B&O Developers Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The company was fined £4,020 and ordered to pay a surcharge of £1,608. Sanjay Swaminarayan pleaded guilty to breaching Section 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. He was fined £2,300, with a surcharge of £1,108, and was also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs.
Falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities and injuries in the UK. HSE guidance states that all roof work must include safe access and a secure working area.
Questions this report answers
01Why were B&O Developers Ltd and Sanjay Swaminarayan fined?
They were fined for endangering workers with unsafe roof work at the Kings Cross Express Inn. Photos showed workers on the roof without edge protection or safe access, and no measures were in place to prevent falls.
02How much was B&O Developers Ltd fined?
B&O Developers Ltd was fined £4,020 and ordered to pay a surcharge of £1,608. This was for breaching Work at Height Regulations 2005.
03What were the penalties for Sanjay Swaminarayan?
Sanjay Swaminarayan was fined £2,300, with a surcharge of £1,108. He was also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs for breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
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