Council Fined £50,000 After Ride-On Mower Plummets Over Retaining Wall

A Worker is seriously injured in lawnmower incident, Therefore, Nottingham Magistrates’ Court has fined Bassetlaw District Council £50,000.

A ride-on mower overturned at a local churchyard. Consequently, a male employee plunged more than two metres onto a public road below.

The Incident at North Wheatley

The accident occurred during routine maintenance in North Wheatley.

While the employee operated the mower, the machine suddenly slid down a steep bank. Consequently, the worker lost control.

Both the machine and the operative rolled over a retaining wall. They fell approximately 2.3 metres to the pavement below. As a result, the employee sustained serious injuries, including cracked ribs.

HSE Uncovers Significant Failings

Following the accident, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the council’s safety protocols. Ultimately, investigators identified three major failings by Bassetlaw District Council:

• Failure to Assess Risk: The council never assessed the risks of operating ride-on mowers on steep slopes.

• Lack of Training: Furthermore, management failed to train employees on how to use machinery near banks safely.

• No Physical Safeguards: Finally, the council failed to install safety barriers at the retaining wall to prevent falls.

Violating Industry Standards

The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) publishes clear safety guidelines for working near slopes.

During the hearing, the Judge found that Bassetlaw District Council failed to meet these standards. Consequently, the Judge deemed the council highly culpable for falling far short of its legal duties.

Court Orders Fines and Costs

Because of these failures, Bassetlaw District Council pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act.

On Monday 30 March 2026, Nottingham Magistrates’ Court ordered the council to pay a £50,000 fine. The court also ordered £5,138.85 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge.

A Warning to Other Employers

Reflecting on the verdict, HSE Inspector Muir Finlay issued a stark warning to other businesses: “This was a serious incident which could have been much worse. The fine should underline that work on slopes requires proper risk assessments and training. HSE will not hesitate to take action against those who do not keep people safe.”

Further Information and Guidance

• TIP: Guidance can be found here : A Guidance Document for the Landscape Industry (PDF)

• Industry Guidance: Employers can download specific safety guidelines via the BALI Guidance Document: A Guidance Document for the Landscape Industry (PDF) 

Safety Aide endeavours to support your business with all aspects of Health and Safety, including thorough Risk Assessments, contact us today to get started:  08000 806 801or email:  info@safetyaide.com