The incident took place on September 7, 2018, at a construction site in Willesden, where contractor Mohammed Mehdi Ali was found to have allowed unplanned and unsafe work that put workers at serious risk of injury.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that demolition work had also left the building structure in danger of collapse.
Mr Ali, of Barn Hill, Wembley, ignored a prohibition notice served by the HSE and allowed work to continue despite the risks.
HSE inspector Saif Deen said: “Mr Ali not only ignored HSE and the criminal justice system, he showed complete contempt for the safety of workers.
“The law requires employees to ensure the health and safety of persons at their workplace.
“Employers have a responsibility to ensure that everyone on a building site is safe.
“We will not hesitate to take action against those who fail to comply with HSE enforcement and continue to put their workers at risk.
“Working at height remains one of the leading causes of workplace death and injury.
“We would like to thank the local community for ensuring justice was done, which helps to keep people safe.”
Mr Ali failed to appear in court in 2021, and a warrant was later issued for his arrest.
He was eventually detained after police received information from the community.
Mr Ali pleaded guilty to breaching a prohibition notice under section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
He was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months.
He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of rehabilitation activity.
In addition, he was ordered to pay £12,151 in costs.
The HSE said Mr Ali had not only ignored the prohibition notice but had also failed to take any steps to ensure the health and safety of workers on site.
The law requires employers to carry out their legal duty to protect persons’ health and safety at the workplace by ensuring that construction work is adequately planned, managed, and monitored and appropriately supervised.
