A West Midlands based construction company has been fined after Britain’s workplace regulator found repeated failures at four different construction sites across the region.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspection in April 2024 identified health and safety failings related to a lack of adequate welfare provision. This included the failure to provide hot or warm water in the toilets and a lack of suitable rest facilities for workers. The inspection resulted in two improvement notices being served, requiring the company to take action to comply with the law.

On three previous occasions, the company had been found to have breached the same legislation. An investigation, initiated by HSE, identified repeated failings by the company which, despite enforcement action and advice from HSE inspectors, continued to provide sub-standard facilities that contravened their legal duties.

Under The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, principal contractors have a duty to provide specific welfare facilities for construction sites. Washing facilities must include:

• • A supply of clean hot and cold or warm water;
  • Rest facilities must be equipped with an adequate number of tables and seating;
  • Suitable arrangements to ensure meals can be prepared and eaten.