A principal contractor has been fined £90,000 after a man suffered life changing injuries when he fell from a tipping bucket attached to a forklift truck at a site in Ashford, Kent.
Aaron Back, then aged 38, was carrying out pipework dismantling work at the EMIR site on Wotton Road in March 2023 when he fell from the raised bucket onto the concrete floor below.
Unsafe equipment used
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that a scissor lift had initially been ordered for the work but was too tall to access the area where the task was being undertaken.
Instead, a tipping bucket attached to a forklift truck was used.
HSE found there were no suitable arrangements in place to manage contractors or ensure the work was carried out safely. The company also failed to implement an alternative safe system of work.
Failures in training and supervision
The investigation found that although equipment had been provided to the labour-only subcontractor, neither Mr Back nor his subcontractor received training on the use of the forklift truck or the scissor lift.
There were also no procedures to ensure only trained personnel could access the equipment, and inadequate supervision was provided on site.
Inspectors identified significant failings relating to work at height, noting that the company had previously received enforcement action and advice on these issues from 2013 onwards.
HSE said falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities and injuries, accounting for more than a quarter of all work related deaths during 2025/26.
Court outcome
South East Refurbishment Limited, of Unit 5 AJA Business Centre, Laker Road, Rochester, Kent, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
At Margate Magistrates’ Court on 7 July 2026, the company was fined £90,000 and ordered to pay £27,241 in costs.
In a victim personal statement, Aaron Back said: “Since the incident I am physically ruined.
“My left hand side doesn’t work properly. I can’t push off from my toes on my left so I struggle to get up and walk around. My back also causes me excruciating pain.
“This accident has destroyed me as a person it has taken away my identity. I miss taking my kids to football.
“I have worked hard to improve and get better I want to be that person again.
“I worked hard for the company and I have been given a lifetime sentence. I would give anything to be normal again to be back to being me.”
HSE inspector Joanne Williams said: “Falls from height continue to be the leading cause of workplace fatalities in Great Britain, with 31 people losing their lives in the past year.
“The construction industry remains the sector that accounts for the greatest number of workers killed each year.
“These figures do not include those individuals that have sustained serious, life changing injuries, resulting from a fall from height.
“In this case Aaron and his family have had their lives changed forever following what was a completely avoidable incident.”
