On 18 June 2025, Aryn Stones Limited, a London-based construction company, was fined after a serious accident at a residential site in Hampstead. The company was found guilty of breaking important safety rules.
How it Happened
An incident occurred on 31 May 2022 where Aryn Stones Ltd was performing remedial work at a residential building site located in Hampstead. A beam-and-block first floor, which was only partially constructed, collapsed, and led to injuries for four workers, two of whom suffered life-altering injuries. The injured included a 62-year-old welder and a 31-year-old bricklayer, both seriously harmed when the floor gave way, and two other workers struck by falling concrete at ground level.
Construction on the site commenced in March 2021. After an inspection conducted in February 2022, structural engineers discovered faults in the connections of the structural steel beams, which required remedial actions. The collapse took place during these repairs when a welder employed an oxyacetylene torch to sever a steel beam while another worker concurrently removed temporary steel props that were supporting the structure.
How did the company fail in safety procedures?
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident and found multiple failings.
- There was no temporary plan to manage the work being carried out on the steel connections.
- The company did not carry out a clear, step-by-step guide on how to perform the task, including the tools, equipment, and personnel required.
- There was not a designated person with the knowledge and skills appointed to manage the structural risks.
- The company failed to ensure the structure was safe while props were removed and beams were cut.
Is a construction phase plan required for every construction job?
Legal Action & Fines
The court found Aryn Stones Ltd, of Percy Road, London guilty of breaching regulation 19(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The company was fined £50,000 and was ordered to pay £39,000 costs following a two-day trial before City of London Magistrates’ Court on 18 June 2025.
This case shows the consequences when businesses neglect the duty of care for their employees.
HSE Statement
Health and Safety Inspector Lucy Ellison-Dunn stated “Although two men were seriously injured, it was lucky nobody was killed. This was a completely avoidable incident had a system for the management of temporary works been in place. The company should have taken precautions to protect people from the risk of collapse. Everyone working in construction has a responsibility to ensure that everyone on a building site is safe.”
The investigation was also carried out by HSE inspector Alexander McIlwraith.
This prosecution was processed by HSE enforcement lawyer Samantha Crockett and supported by HSE Paralegal Officer Sarah Thomas.
The incident in Hampstead shows how quickly things can go wrong with poor planning, and reduced workplace health and safety. This incident demonstrates how important it is to have a clear planning strategy, communication, and supervision of a competent person.
