Manufacturer Fined After Falling Snow Machine Caused Glass Injury

Brief Summary

An employer was prosecuted after a snow machine installed above a public gift shop window fell during a Christmas lights switch on event, causing a child to be injured by a shard of broken glass. The regulator found the risks were not properly assessed and the machine was not secured in line with manufacturer instructions, breaching work at height duties.

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 fell from the building. As it fell, it struck a light on the way down, which sent a shard of broken glass towards a 12 year old attendee, resulting in 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 and ordered to pay costs of £4,931 and a victim surcharge of £2,000.

Key Points To Consider

Plan installations above public areas. Where equipment is placed above people, assess the risks in advance, including how it could fall and what it might strike on the way down.

Secure equipment properly using instructions. Make sure the installation secures equipment against failure, and follow manufacturer instructions clearly showing safe installation steps.

Meet work at height requirements. Apply the Work at Height Regulations duty to prevent the fall of materials or objects whenever there is any risk of injury to employees or members of the public.

Avoid reliance on assumptions about stability. Do not assume that because an item is positioned in a window it will remain safely in place, especially during public events.

Use thorough risk assessment for seasonal events. Treat festive events as operational activities requiring the same level of risk control, so measures are in place to minimise harm to the public.

HSE Prosecution Link