Health and Safety Failings – Mower Injury Results In Fine

Mower Injury Results In Fine

Key Facts

• A housing trust employee suffered severe hand injuries whilst trying to unblock a ride-on mower
• The HSE investigation found that safe systems of work had not been established for use of the mower
• The housing trust was fined £140,000 plus costs.

The Case

An HSE investigation was launched into the safety practices of a housing trust after a worker suffered injuries whilst operating a ride-on mower.

The 24 year old worker was using the ride-on mower to cut the grass for the first cut of the season. The long, wet grass resulted in frequent blockages in the attached grass box. The worker reached into the chute to clear a blockage when his hand came into contact with a rotating metal blade inside the mower.

The worker sustained several broken bones and had to have his thumb and forefinger amputated. He is now unable to grip with his left hand or use his remaining digits.

The court heard that the employee had not been given training in how to use the mower, and was therefore unaware that the blade continued to rotate for around 30 seconds after the engine was turned off. The housing trust had not given clear instructions on what to do if the mowers became blocked, and had failed to consider the risks that the workers activities posed.

The case was heard in January 2016 at Manchester Crown Court where the housing trust was found guilty of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974. They were fined £140,000 plus costs of £70,000.

What the HSE had to say

Speaking after the hearing, the HSE inspector Sarah Taylor said:

“A young worker has suffered injuries that will affect him for the rest of his life but they could easily have been avoided. New Charter Housing Trust should have planned the work properly and provided appropriate training, so workers knew to wait for the fan to stop.” 

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