Council Fined After Ride On Lawnmower Overturns Causing Serious Injury

Brief Summary

Bassetlaw District Council was fined after an employee was seriously injured when a ride on lawnmower overturned while being used on a steep slope in a churchyard. The court found the council had not assessed and controlled the risks adequately, including failing to provide suitable information, instruction and training and not putting in place measures to prevent falls from height.

What Was The Incident?

An employee of Bassetlaw District Council was carrying out routine maintenance in a closed graveyard at St Peter and St Paul's Church in North Wheatley. While operating a ride on mower, the employee lost control as the machine slid down a steep bank towards a retaining wall. The mower and the operative rolled over the wall and fell about 2.3 metres onto the road and footpath below, resulting in injuries including cracked ribs.

What Was The Outcome?

Bassetlaw District Council pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The council was fined 50000, ordered to pay 5,138.85 in costs and a victim surcharge of 2,000 at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on 30 March 2026.

What Lessons Can Be Learnt?

Carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. Ensure assessments specifically cover the risks of operating ride on mowers on banks and slopes, rather than relying on generic work planning.

Provide effective instruction and training. Employees must receive adequate information, instruction and training for using machinery near slopes and banks, so they understand how to manage the risks in practice.

Control fall from height risks at retaining walls. Where there is a risk of falling from height, put appropriate measures in place to prevent a fall causing personal injury.

Match controls to expected industry standards. Use relevant industry guidance to set expectations for risk assessment and control measures, and address any shortfalls before work starts.

Do not assume mowing on uneven ground is routine. Treat work on slopes and banks as higher risk and ensure the suitability of the approach, the site hazards and the controls are reviewed before the first cut is made.

HSE Prosecution Link