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PHW · Other · 2026-01-13

A landlord in Bishopston, Bristol fined £20,000 after a guest fell when a staircase handrail gave way

Bishopston, Bristol · Bristol Magistrates' Court

What happened

A member of the public fell around 11 feet from an external wooden staircase when the handrail gave way as he leaned against it. The fall happened during a social event at a rented property in Bristol.

Injuries: significant injuries including head trauma

The breach

Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

The sentence

  • Fine: £20,000
  • Costs: £4,522
HSE inspector

“Well-designed staircases, built to standard and properly maintained, play a crucial role in keeping people safe.”

What would have prevented it

Landlords must inspect and maintain external staircases and handrails regularly; a rotten or failed handrail is a foreseeable fall risk.

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Source: HSE press release, Bristol landlord fined after member of the public falls from staircase