---
title: Working at Height Failures & Safety Lessons for Employers
description: Explore HSE prosecutions from 2026, including electrocution, falls, and poor risk assessments. Learn key safety lessons and how to stay compliant.
---

[Working at height blog ](https://www.hls.co/blog)

# [Working at Height Failures & Safety Lessons for Employers](https://www.hls.co/blog/working-at-height-failures-safety-lessons-for-employers)

 Written by [Emily Patrick](https://www.hls.co/blog/author/emily-patrick) | Apr 2, 2026

March 2026 saw multiple serious HSE prosecutions highlighting ongoing failures in working at height safety, risk assessment, and supervision.

From a fatal electrocution involving a cherry picker striking an overhead powerline, to preventable falls caused by unsafe access methods, these cases reinforce a consistent message:

👉 Many incidents are avoidable with proper planning, risk assessment, and the right equipment.

In this blog, we break down the latest HSE enforcement cases, key failings identified, and what your organisation should be doing to stay compliant with the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

 

### **1. Fatal electrocution at Devon biogas site**

A tragic incident at a Devon biogas site resulted in the death of Carl Parsons, 34, and life-changing injuries to a colleague after a cherry picker struck an 11,000-volt overhead powerline.

**What happened:**

**Key failings identified by HSE:**

**Outcome:**

Two companies were fined following sentencing at Exeter Crown Court on 3 March 2026.

**Key safety lesson:**

👉 Working near overhead power lines requires strict planning, exclusion zones, and specialist guidance.

This case highlights the importance of following both [HSE](https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ais8.pdf) and [IPAF](https://www.ipaf.org/sites/default/files/2023-09/IPAF%20Safe%20Use%20of%20MEWPs%20in%20the%20Vicinity%20of%20Power%20Lines%20guidance%20%28TE-1151-0923-2-en-GB%29.pdf) guidance on MEWP use near power lines.

 

### **2. Bakery fined after worker falls from pallet box**

A worker at a Bolton bakery suffered a hip fracture after falling from height while standing on a pallet box to dispose of waste into a skip.

**What happened:**

**HSE findings:**

**Outcome:**

**Key safety lesson:**

👉 Improvised access solutions (like standing on pallets) are a major cause of workplace injuries.

Employers must ensure:

 

### **3. Waste company fined after fall from compost machine**

A recycling company in West Sussex was fined after an employee suffered a broken leg when falling from height while clearing a blockage.

**What happened:**

**HSE findings:**

**Key safety lesson:**

👉 Maintenance and cleaning tasks are high-risk and often overlooked in risk assessments.

Employers must:

 

### **Common themes across March HSE prosecutions**

Across all three cases, several recurring issues were identified:

- Failure to carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments
- Poor supervision and monitoring
- Lack of proper training and competence
- Unsafe or inappropriate equipment being used
- Risks being known but not acted upon  
   

👉 These are not complex failures; they are basic safety principles not being followed.

 

### **What the law requires: Working at Height Regulations 2005**

Under UK law, employers must:

Failure to meet these duties can result in:

 

### **How to reduce risk on your site**

To prevent similar incidents, organisations should focus on:

**1. Risk assessments that reflect real tasks**

Not just paperwork, but practical, task-specific planning.

**2. Selecting the right equipment**

Avoid improvisation. Use equipment designed for the task.

**3. Training and competence**

Ensure teams understand both risks and safe working methods.

**4. Supervision and behaviour**

Unsafe practices often develop over time, they must be actively managed.

**5. Considering safer alternatives**

Adopting a **“Ladders Last” approach** can help reduce reliance on higher-risk methods.

 

### **How HLS can support safer working at height**

At HLS, we work closely with organisations to reduce risk and improve compliance across their sites.

Our support includes:

✔ [**Site surveys and risk assessments**](https://www.hls.co/services/work-at-height-survey)  
Identify hazards and recommend compliant access solutions

✔ [**Equipment selection and supply**](https://www.hls.co/mobile-access-platforms-work-at-height)  
From low-level access platforms to MEWPs and alternatives to ladders

✔ [**Training and certification (IPAF approved)**](https://www.hls.co/types-of-training-available-from-hls)  
Ensure your teams are competent and compliant

✔ [**Maintenance, inspections and LOLER compliance**](https://www.hls.co/services/mewp-repair-maintenance)  
Keep equipment safe, legal, and operational

✔ **Ongoing support and advice**  
Helping you embed safer working practices long-term

 

📄 [**Download the HLS Working at Height Expert Guide**](https://www.hls.co/hls-working-at-height-guide-2026) to access practical advice, best practices, and compliance guidance.

Or get in touch to discuss how we can support your site with safer, more efficient working at height solutions.

 

[View full post](https://www.hls.co/blog/working-at-height-failures-safety-lessons-for-employers)

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