Enforcement Notices Published by HSE Highlight Work from Height Risks

HSE publish two height-related incidents that have received enforcement fines.

Two enforcement notices published by the Health and Safety Executive on 17 March 2026 have reinforced ongoing concerns around uncontrolled work at height in routine operations, following separate incidents in the waste management and food manufacturing sectors.

Waste management company fined after employee fall from height

    • Worker broke leg after falling from compost screening machine while clearing blockage.
    • HSE investigation found company failed to assess risks and provide safe system of work.
    • Employees were able to bypass safety measures while cleaning machinery.

A green waste recycling company based in West Sussex has been fined after an employee broke his leg when he fell from a compost screening machine.

Read the full HSE report here.

Bakery company fined after employee suffers hip fracture in fall

    • Employee fractured their hip after falling from a large plastic pallet box while disposing of food waste into a skip 
    • The company failed to carry out a suitable risk assessment for loading skips and did not provide appropriate equipment for safe working at height 
    • HSE guidance is available 

A Bolton bakery company has been fined £16,667 after an employee fractured their hip falling from a large plastic pallet box while working at height. 

Read the full HSE report here