The employee of Ball Colegrave, in Adderbury near Banbury, had been tasked to check irrigation that was watering plants contained in hanging baskets on June 7, 2023.
As the man climbed the ladder, it fell and collapsed under him, resulting in five broken ribs and a partially collapsed lung.
Ball Colegrave, near Banbury (Image: Google Maps)
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Ball Colegrave Ltd failed to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees.
In this instance, the HSE said there was a failure to ensure that work at height was planned and carried out in a manner which was so far as is reasonably practicable safe.
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Working at height remains one of the leading causes of workplace injury and death and the HSE has detailed guidance on working safely at height.
Ball Colegrave Limited of Milton Road, West Adderbury, pleaded guilty to contravening a requirement of section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
It was fined £80,000 and was ordered to pay £7,061 costs at a hearing at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 14.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Rebecca Gibson said: “This incident highlights the duty on employers to ensure they should do all they can to minimise the risk from working at height.
“If work at height isn’t properly planned and unsuitable work equipment is used, people can fall and sustain serious injuries.
“Falls from height remains a leading cause of workplace injury and death.”
This prosecution was supported by HSE enforcement lawyer Arafq Nabi and paralegal officer Gabrielle O’Sullivan.
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