Director Fined After Serious Fire Safety Failings on Construction Site
A building contractor has been fined £600,000, and its director fined and sentenced to unpaid community work following repeated failures to manage fire safety risks at a construction site in Essex.
The case highlights the serious consequences for companies and directors who fail to comply with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations on fire prevention and site safety.
HSE Investigation and Findings
In January 2018, the HSE carried out a proactive inspection at a construction site at Regent House, Brentwood, operated by S&S Quality Building Contractors Ltd, after concerns were raised that workers were sleeping on site.
The investigation — supported by Essex Fire & Rescue Service — uncovered major failings in fire management, exposing both workers and members of the public visiting show flats to potential danger.
Inspectors found that construction work was being carried out in a poorly managed environment with inadequate fire safety measures. Despite multiple previous interventions by the HSE, the company had failed to make required safety improvements.
Court Outcome: Company and Director Fined
At Basildon Crown Court on 25 October 2022, S&S Quality Building Contractors Limited, based at Hawthorn Business Park, Granville Road, London, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
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The company was fined £600,000 and ordered to pay £36,894 in costs.
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The director, Shlomo Pines, of Golders Green, London, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37 of the same Act. He received a community order requiring 100 hours of unpaid work and was fined £4,200.
The HSE stated that the director ignored previous warnings, failing to implement essential fire safety measures that could have prevented serious harm or loss of life.
HSE Commentary: A Reminder for All Construction Directors
HSE Inspector Prentiss Clarke-Jones said:
“S&S Quality Building Contractors Limited completely ignored the importance of fire safety measures on a construction site, led by a director who wilfully chose to ignore the risks despite evidence he knew how to make things safe.”
The inspector added that the incident serves as a reminder to all contractors:
“Follow the guidance, get competent advice, and take responsibility — or someone may get hurt.”
Why This Matters for Construction Companies and Directors
This case underscores that directors can be held personally liable for health and safety breaches. Under Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work Act, if a company’s offence results from the neglect or consent of a director, that individual can be prosecuted alongside the business.
Failing to follow HSE guidance doesn’t just lead to financial penalties — it can also damage company reputation and restrict access to future projects, particularly those requiring strict safety accreditation or CITB-recognised training.
How to Avoid Penalties and Improve Compliance
Companies can reduce risk and strengthen compliance through accredited training and awareness programmes, such as:
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CITB SMSTS and SMSTS Refresher courses for managers
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CITB SSSTS and SSSTS Refresher for site supervisors
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CITB Health & Safety Awareness (HSA) for operatives
These CITB Site Safety Plus courses, available from Goldcross Training, help ensure that all levels of staff understand their responsibilities and legal duties on site.
👉 View CITB Courses or call 0203 633 5505 to book your training today.
You can read the HSE’s guidance on fire safety in construction here.