A fine has been imposed on a grounds maintenance company after a worker lost his life while operating a ride-on lawnmower in Yorkshire. Kamil Grygieniec, a 23-year-old from Northallerton, was mowing grass near a village pond in North Stainley when the lawnmower he was controlling veered down a steep slope and ended up in the water on October 8, 2021. Tragically, the mower did not have a roll-over protection system (ROPS) in place at the time.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that MHS Countryside Management Limited failed to carry out a proper site-specific risk assessment for the task. Additionally, it was found that the ROPS had been removed before the work began. ROPS are crucial safety features designed to protect operators in case of a machine overturn, particularly on uneven or sloped surfaces.
According to the HSE, thorough risk assessments are essential when using ride-on equipment, especially in hilly or water-adjacent areas. Employers are responsible for ensuring that machinery is suitable for the terrain and equipped with necessary safety features to safeguard workers.
MHS Countryside Management Limited, headquartered in Bishop Auckland, admitted to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £27,000 and ordered to pay £11,166 in costs at York Magistrates’ Court on February 17.
In a heartfelt statement, Kamil’s parents expressed their immense grief over the loss of their son, highlighting the preventable nature of the tragedy. HSE Inspector Darian Dundas emphasized the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments to prevent such devastating incidents, underscoring the significance of maintaining safety measures in the workplace.
