Company fined over basement work

JAS Truscott Son Ltd, of Tunbridge Wells, were excavating ground in London’s Belgravia to construct a basement, but had not put proper supports in place to stop the sandy ground collapsing or to prevent people falling into the pits of approximately three metres in depth.

The company was ordered to stop work immediately and was issued with a prohibition notice, but continued regardless of the advice given by the Health and Safety Executive, who brought the case to court.

At the City of London Magistrates’ Court, JAS admitted breaching Section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, Regulation 31(1)(a) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

The company was fined a total of £8,500 for the breaches and ordered to pay costs of £9,526.29.