HSE | A construction company director and his firm have been fined after failing to comply with multiple enforcement notices and for failing to suitably plan, manage and monitor construction work.
Vasilis Paraskeva and his London-based company, VNP Constructions Limited, were the appointed contractor for the conversion of a former public house and adjoining building into residential flats on White Lion Street, London.
During a proactive visit to the site on 1 September 2022, HSE inspectors identified several issues including work at height risks and concerns about the competence of site management. Prohibition and Improvement notices were served.
Further visits over the following 12 months identified additional breaches, demonstrating a continued failure to suitably plan, manage and monitor the work. Additional Prohibition and Improvement notices were served.
An investigation by the HSE found that Vasilis Paraskeva and VNP Constructions Limited failed to comply with the requirements of multiple enforcement notices and failed to ensure work was carried out safely.
The company, VNP Constructions Limited, of Kings Avenue, Winchmore Hill, London, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 15(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and to two counts of failing to comply with a Prohibition Notice contrary to Section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1971.
The company was fined £7,200 and ordered to pay £900 in costs.
The Director, Vasilis Paraskeva, of Kings Avenue, Winchmore Hill, London, pleaded guilty to three offences on the basis that the company had committed the above three offences and those offences were committed with his consent or connivance or was attributable to his neglect by virtue of S37(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
He was fined £10,800 and ordered to pay £900 in costs.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Andrew Pipe said: “These fines should send a clear message to the construction industry that HSE and the courts take failure to comply with enforcement notices extremely seriously.
“HSE will not hesitate to take action against companies and individuals who fail to keep people safe.”
This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE Enforcement Lawyer Matthew Reynolds and Paralegal Officer Melissa Wardle.
