Farmer fined £40,000 after worker left severely injured following fall

The worker fell approximately 2.5-3.5 metres and suffered a head injury as well as multiple fractures (Photo: Google Maps)
The worker fell approximately 2.5-3.5 metres and suffered a head injury as well as multiple fractures (Photo: Google Maps)

A farming company has been fined £40,000 for breaches of health and safety legislation after an employee sustained severe injuries following a fall from height.

Based in Moray, Alan Twatt Potatoes Limited, which turns over more than £1m a year, is a family business with five full-time employees.

But Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard how, on 29 November 2017, the company asked an employee to install an electric cable through four barns at a height of approximately 4 metres.

A potato box lifted by a forklift was used as a working platform. The worker fell approximately 2.5-3.5 metres and suffered a head injury as well as multiple fractures.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the potato box was inherently unsafe and should not have been used with the forklift truck in any circumstances.

Further, the company had failed to follow their own procedures in relation to safe working at height.

Alan Twatt (Potatoes) Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 Banff and has been fined £40,000.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector, Norman Schouten said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by using the correct equipment, such as a scissor lift.

“A potato box or other makeshift equipment is never a suitable platform for working at height.”