Council fined £50k following worker's injury in churchyard
Bassetlaw Council has been fined £50,000 after an employee was seriously injured in a ride-on lawnmower incident.
The incident took place on May 30, 2024, when a worker fell from a ride-on mower while working in the sloped churchyard of St Peter and St Paul’s Church, North Wheatley.
A subsequent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive resulted in legal action relating to the incident.
Bassetlaw District Council was fined £50k and ordered to pay the HSE’s costs at Nottingham Magistrates Court on March 30, 2026.
David Armiger, chief executive at Bassetlaw District Council said: “Bassetlaw District Council acknowledges the decision and sentence passed at Nottingham Magistrates Court.
“We entered an early guilty plea to both charges and have fully cooperated with the HSE throughout their investigation and implemented all of their recommendations, including a more robust approach to Health and Safety measures, training, and working practices.
“Since the accident and the findings of the HSE investigation, we have considerably improved our approach to the management of risk and have been extremely proactive in implementing new and enhanced ways of working, with an ongoing commitment to investment in further change.
“This includes additional training with a further £350k investment in health and safety training over a three-year period. additional and more robust compliance, process reviews of existing policies, and a restructure of the Health and Safety Team, including the creation of new roles.
“We take our responsibilities very seriously and remain committed to a positive Health and Safety Culture at the council, with awareness and compliance paramount.
“The employee involved in this accident returned to work several months ago and we continue to support them.”