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PHW · Construction and civils · 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 fined £1,000 plus £400 costs after pleading guilty to Section 37(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
HSE inspector

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

What would have prevented it

Plan work at height with suitable risk assessments, train operatives in the lifting equipment, and consider rescue planning, equipment and personnel before work starts.

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