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PHW · Working at height · 2025-12-03

AP Tree Specialists Ltd fined £20,000 after a worker fell over 30 feet from a malfunctioning platform

Derby, Derbyshire · Birmingham Magistrates' Court

What happened

A worker fell over 30 feet from a mobile elevating work platform basket while attempting to abseil down after the machine malfunctioned. No ground personnel were available to lower the platform safely and no rescue plan was in place.

Injuries: life-altering back injuries

The breach

HSWA 1974 s2(1) (company); HSWA 1974 s37(1) (director)

The sentence

  • Fine: £20,000
  • Costs: £6,956
  • Other sentence: Director Matthew Scholes fined £1,000 plus £400 costs
HSE inspector

“This incident could have been avoided if AP Tree Specialists Ltd had planned the work at height with suitable risk assessments and a rescue plan.”

What would have prevented it

Work at height involving MEWPs must have a written rescue plan and trained ground personnel in place before work starts.

How PHW helps

The machines, packs and quizzes that fit this kind of site.

Sector

Training and H&S evidence for construction sites

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Machine

MEWP: boom (3b)

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Quiz

Could you show a site manager today, in writing, that each operator is authorised to use your machines?

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Source: HSE press release, Tree specialists fined after worker falls from height