TREE SPECIALISTS FINED AFTER WORK FALLS FROM HEIGHT
AN ARBORICULTURE company based in Derby has been fined £20k after an employee suffered...
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AN ARBORICULTURE company based in Derby has been fined £20k after an employee suffered life-altering back injuries when he fell over 30 feet from a MEWP basket.
An employee of AP Tree Specialists Ltd had been carrying out tree surgery from the basket of a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) at a mobile site in Derby on 25 January 2024. When the machine stopped working while elevated, there was no one on site who could bring the basket safely to the ground. The employee attempted to abseil from the basket, resulting in a fall to the ground.
Operatives must receive appropriate training, and that rescue planning, equipment and personnel must be considered as part of site assessment.
HSE investigating inspector, Kerry Scott, said: “This incident could have been avoided if AP Tree Specialists Ltd had planned the work at height with suitable and sufficient risk assessments and safe systems of work, including a rescue plan. They should have provided the employee with the correct information, instruction and training for working at height and for using the lifting equipment. HSE will not fail to take action where companies and directors do not ensure the health and safety of their employees.”
Tree specialists fined after worker falls from height | Health & Safety Matters
Note:
Mobile elevating work platforms are commonly used across many businesses by contractors and employees alike. Although this incident arises from tree works, MEWP’s can fail on any premises and the correct systems of work, lifting plan and rescue plan must be in place!