Thames Water, a major water company, has been fined £67,000 for unsafe practices in Kensington and Chelsea. The local council took the firm to court and found them guilty of four charges related to site safety and another charge for failing to cooperate with the council. The judge at Westminster Magistrates’ Court also ordered Thames Water to pay an additional £12,000 to cover legal costs and a victim surcharge during a recent hearing.
The council’s compliance officers discovered contractors working for Thames Water using unsafe practices at various locations in the area between January and July of the previous year. They found that work areas were not properly sealed off, open excavations were left uncovered, and mechanical equipment and power tools were not secured. Additionally, the council claimed that Thames Water classified repairs incorrectly, impacting the coordination of works.
Thames Water expressed regret for not meeting the required standards on this occasion and acknowledged the shortcomings of their contractor. Cllr Cem Kemahli, lead member for planning and public realm at the council, emphasized the importance of safety in street works and stated that the prosecution sends a clear message to companies that safety should always be a top priority.
Inspectors made several visits during the year and found various safety violations, such as open excavations without proper barriers and the use of power tools without safety measures in place. Thames Water stated that ensuring the health and safety of their staff, customers, and the community is their top priority and expressed a commitment to working collaboratively with councils to minimize disruption during works.
It is worth noting that since 2012, Thames Water has faced 98 offences related to street works in London, resulting in fines totaling £684,210. The company has also been required to cover authorities’ costs amounting to £96,052.19. The council continues to emphasize the importance of upholding safety standards and taking action against companies that disregard the law and put the public at risk.
In conclusion, the recent fine imposed on Thames Water highlights the significance of maintaining safety protocols in street works. It serves as a reminder to all companies that safety should always be a priority when carrying out operations in public areas. The collaboration between water companies and local councils is crucial in ensuring that works are conducted safely and efficiently, with minimal disruption to the community. By upholding these standards, companies can avoid legal repercussions and contribute to creating a safer environment for all.
