Employer Fined After Falling Snow Machine Causes Glass Injury

Brief Summary

An artificial snow machine located in a window opening above a gift shop fell during a Christmas lights switch on event, striking a light and sending a shard of broken glass towards a visiting child. The employer pleaded guilty to failing to properly secure the equipment and to properly assess related risks, resulting in a fine and costs.

What Was The Incident?

During an annual Christmas lights switch on event in 2024, an artificial snow machine positioned in a window opening above a gift shop at the premises fell out of the building to the ground below. The machine hit a light on the way down, and a shard of broken glass was sent towards a 12 year old girl’s head. She suffered a deep cut that required hospital treatment.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 10(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. It was fined 266,666, ordered to pay costs of 4,931 and a victim surcharge of 2,000.

Key Points To Consider

Plan work at height and public risk together. Where equipment is positioned above areas used by members of the public, employers need a thorough risk assessment that specifically considers how anything could fall and injure people below.

Secure equipment so it cannot fall. The incident shows the need for suitable measures to prevent the fall of objects, including ensuring the item is properly secured in the window opening above the public area.

Use manufacturer installation instructions as a minimum standard. The employer was found not to secure the snow machine properly despite manufacturer instructions that showed clearly how to install it safely.

Verify arrangements before public events. For events where the public are present, employers should check that installations are correctly made and remain stable and secure in the live event conditions.

Do not rely on assumptions about safety. The fall occurred because risk assessment and securing arrangements were not adequate, demonstrating that haphazard planning can directly lead to serious injury during otherwise routine activities.

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