Working at height is dangerous, as evidenced by a recent accident investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
In December 2025, HSE published a report on a case involving a tree worker who suffered life-altering back injuries after falling 30 feet from a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP). HSE found the company failed to plan, supervise or safely carry out work at height.
At Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, the offending firm pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £6,956 in costs. The company’s director pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £400 in costs.
The accident
An employee was carrying out tree surgery from the basket of an MEWP at a site in Derby in January 2024. When the machine stopped working while elevated, there was no one else on site who could safely lower the basket back to the ground. For this reason, the employee attempted to abseil from the basket, resulting in a fall to the ground.
The investigation
HSE officials found that the company failed to plan, appropriately supervise and carry out work at height in a safe manner. The firm had not completed a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for work at height activities, and employees were not appropriately trained in the use of lifting equipment.
HSE stated that the director was acting as site supervisor at the time and was directly involved in decisions and actions that led to the injuries sustained by the employee.
HSE investigating inspector, Kerry Scott, said: “This incident could have been avoided if the company had planned the work at height with suitable and sufficient risk assessments and safe systems of work, including a rescue plan. They should have provided the employee with the correct information, instruction and training for working at height and for using the lifting equipment.
“HSE will not fail to take action where companies and directors do not ensure the health and safety of their employees.”
Working at height regulations
The Work at Height Regulations require employers to ensure that working at height is properly planned, supervised and conducted safely. Where lifting equipment is required, HSE guidance states that operatives must receive appropriate training, and that rescue planning, equipment and personnel must be considered as part of site assessment.
The importance of checking tree contractors
When hiring someone to carry out work on your trees, it’s easy to focus on price or availability. However, the most important thing any homeowner should check is the qualifications and training of the people doing the work.
Tree surgery is a skilled, high-risk profession, and choosing someone without the right credentials can lead to serious consequences.
Tree work often involves working at height, using chainsaws and handling heavy branches. These are not everyday DIY tasks. Without proper training, the risk of injury is high, both for the person doing the work and for anyone nearby.
You might also like to read: ‘Checklist for choosing a professional tree service’.
Falling branches, unstable ladders and incorrect use of equipment can quickly turn dangerous. Professionally trained tree surgeons are taught how to manage these risks, using specialist climbing techniques, safety equipment and controlled cutting methods to keep everyone safe.
Reputable, qualified tree surgeons will also carry appropriate insurance, including public liability cover. This protects you in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. If you hire someone without proper training or insurance, you could be left responsible for damage or injury. What might seem like a cheaper option upfront can quickly become far more expensive.
Choosing the qualified team from Branching Out isn’t just about getting the job done. It’s about getting it done properly, with the right knowledge, the right equipment and the right level of care.
For more advice, read: ‘The benefits of hiring a professional tree surgeon’.