Fatal explosion at building site results in investigation

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is working alongside police following an explosion at a building site in Highgate, Camden that killed a worker.

Demolition work was taking place at the site of a shopping parade in order to build flats and new shops. The redevelopment had been the focus of a planning war that had lasted 10 years, but work commenced at the start of this year. Teams had been working at the site to demolish the existing buildings, prepare the land for new construction and remove non-operational petrol tanks still at the site from years earlier.

Steve Hampton had commuted to the building site each day, working as part of a team. As a fuel tank was being cut up into pieces, an explosion occurred, killing Hampton in the blast.

Prohibition Notices have been handed to each of the contractors working on the site, meaning they have to stop work. The HSE has stated that the notices are only issued when there has been a breach of the health and safety regulations.

A HSE spokesperson said:

“The investigation, being led by the police, is ongoing. HSE inspectors have served prohibition notices on the contractors connected to the site stopping them from undertaking further works. The notices will need to be complied with before work can recommence on the site.”

All employers have a duty of care to their workforce and members of the public, which may include a range of measures, including PPE.