Manufacturer Fined After Falling Snow Machine Causes Glass Injury

Brief Summary

A child was injured when a snow machine, installed in a window above a public gift shop area, fell to the ground and caused broken glass to be thrown. The employer was found to have failed to properly assess and secure the equipment in line with installation instructions, and was fined at court.

What Was The Incident?

During an annual Christmas lights switch on event in November 2024, members of the public were gathered outside a gift shop. An artificial snow machine positioned in a window opening above the shop fell from the building, struck a light on its way down, and produced a shard of broken glass that hit a 12 year old girl, causing 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. The court outcome reflected findings that risk assessment and securing arrangements for the snow machine were inadequate.

Key Points To Consider

Secure equipment above public areas properly. If anything is installed above areas where members of the public are present, it must be secured to prevent it from falling, using arrangements that are appropriate for the location and use.

Risk assess how the installation will behave in use. A suitable assessment of the risks associated with the equipment and its installation should be completed, including the consequences if it falls from a height during an event.

Follow manufacturer installation instructions and make them effective on site. Where manufacturer instructions show how to install safely, the employer should ensure those instructions are understood and implemented so the equipment is actually secured as intended.

Plan event arrangements to prevent foreseeable hazards. Christmas events attract families and crowds, so planning must include measures to minimise harm to the public, particularly where items are positioned above walkways or viewing areas.

Meet the legal requirement to prevent falling objects. Under the Work at Height Regulations, suitable steps must be taken to prevent the fall of materials or objects where there is a risk of injury to employees or members of the public.

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