Firm Prosecuted After Employees Fall From Telehandler

An agricultural services firm has been fined after two workers fell from a telehandler during construction work at a farm in north Lincolnshire.

Henzell Enterprise of Elyhaugh Farm, Long Framlington, Morpeth pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

It was fined £5,000 with over £10,000 in costs.

The firm was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Scunthorpe Magistrates' Court heard the firm had been contracted to erect a steel framed agricultural building at East Marsh Farm in Goxhill.

A steel frame had been erected and work had started to install the roof beams.

On 24 October 2013, two workers were fixing roof beams in place from inside a raise man riding basket fitted to a forklift telehandler truck.


However, the basket attachment failed and the two workers fell approximately three metres to the ground below. Both men suffered broken bones and internal injuries.

It is understood the cause of the accident was that the basket had not been secured correctly to the forks of the telehandler.

The court was told the type of equipment being used was not suitable for the high risk work.

HSE also told the court the company had not ensured the safety of its workers by properly planning work at height, appropriately supervising the work or carrying it out in a safe manner.

In addition, the Henzell Enterprises had failed to provide appropriate equipment for work at height.

HSE said by using a telehandler with a removable basket, the company increased the risk to workers. The telehandler was also being used to lift materials which required the man riding basket to be removed and replaced frequently.

David Stewart, HSE Inspector, said: "It was the responsibility of the company, to ensure that work at height was planned and carried out in a safe manner. Two workers suffered serious injury as a result of the use of inappropriate work equipment which significantly increased the risk of an accident. 

"I hope employers take note of this case and ensure that work at height, including the selection of appropriate equipment is planned in detail and managed closely so as to prevent accidents to workers."

(LM/CD)