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PHW · Other · 2026-03-30

Bassetlaw District Council fined £50,000 after an employee was injured when a mower rolled over a wall

Worksop, Nottinghamshire · Nottingham Magistrates' Court

What happened

An employee operating a ride-on mower at a churchyard in North Wheatley lost control as the machine slid down a steep bank towards a retaining wall. The employee and mower rolled over the wall, falling approximately 2.3 metres onto a pavement and road below.

Injuries: cracked ribs

The breach

HSWA 1974 s2(1) and s3(1)

The sentence

  • Fine: £50,000
  • Costs: £5,139
  • Other sentence: Victim surcharge £2,000
HSE inspector

“Work on banks and slopes should only be undertaken when a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks has been carried out and appropriate controls or training provided.”

What would have prevented it

Ride-on mowers must never be used on banks or slopes without a specific risk assessment, appropriate training, and fall-prevention measures near drops.

How PHW helps

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

Safety pack

Working at height

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Source: HSE press release, District council fined £50,000 after worker seriously injured in lawnmower incident