Last year, some big health and safety fines were issued, with three of the fines making it onto the list for the highest HSE penalties of all time. We examine the largest penalties of 2025.
While it is encouraging that companies that breach regulations meet serious consequences, it is also alarming that breaches warrant such large penalties. There has been an upward trend in the highest health and safety fines in recent years, with the biggest fine in 2022 being over double the highest fine in 2020.
However, the largest penalty in 2023 brokethis trend. Ideally, the number of fines issued year on year would decrease. Health and safety training helps companies avoid workplace accidents and the penalties that come with them.
According to the most recent HSE statistics, falls from height remain the biggest reason for fatal accidents among UK workers. This, together with being struck by a moving vehicle, accounts for around 70% of all fatal workplace injuries in 2023/2024.
Construction is still the most dangerous industry in terms of health and safety, with the largest number of deaths attributed to this industry.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics show that in 2023/2024:
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We have examined the UK's biggest health and safety fines over the past few years to help you understand how to avoid making the same simple mistakes.
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 Section 2(1), 3(1) and Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 regulation 38(2)
Industrial Chemicals Ltd has been fined £2.5 million after two serious acid leaks at its West Thurrock site in Essex in 2020. The first incident, in January, involved the uncontrolled release of 300,000 litres of hydrochloric acid, forming a toxic gas cloud that forced local schools to close and residents to shelter indoors. The second leak, in August, saw 87 cubic metres of sulphuric acid escape due to cracked pipework and a malfunctioning valve, putting workers and drivers at risk.
Investigations by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency (EA) found serious failings in maintenance, inspection, and compliance with environmental and safety standards. Both incidents were deemed entirely preventable with proper upkeep and safety protocols.
The court heard that the site had a history of poor health and safety standards, and its classification as a top-tier COMAH site (Control of Major Accident Hazards) made these failures even more serious. The company pleaded guilty to multiple breaches of health, safety, and environmental laws and was handed the fine at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
“The uncontrolled release of significant quantities of hazardous substances in these cases was entirely avoidable.”— Maria Strangward, HSE Principal Inspector
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 regulations 11(1), (2) and Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 section 33(1)(c)
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 197 sections 4(2) and 33(1)(a)
West Fraser (Europe) Ltd, a multinational wood product manufacturer, has been fined over £1 million after two workers were seriously injured in separate incidents at its Cowie plant in 2020 —just months apart.
In January, a utility operator suffered multiple leg fractures after becoming entangled in active machinery inside a storage bunker. He had re-entered the bunker without isolating the power, which was contrary to safety procedures. He was only able to raise the alarm using his own phone. Following the incident, the company installed a locked mesh guard to prevent similar access.
In July, a scaffolder fell 13 feet through a corroded plate on a rooftop gantry, sustaining serious fractures to his body, including his neck and ankle. Investigators found no maintenance schedule in place for the structure, with parts of it rusted and welds nearly failing. The gantry was removed after the incident.
The HSE highlighted the company’s history of failings, referencing a £2 million fine in 2022 after a worker died from burns at the same plant. At Stirling Sheriff Court, West Fraser was fined £28,000 for the first incident and £1.04 million for the second.
“Although both men sustained very serious injuries, both are lucky to be alive. We hope this outcome demonstrates that repeated failures of this nature are not acceptable.”- Stuart Easson, inspector, HSE
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Section 2(1)
QinetiQ Limited, a defence technology company, has been fined £800,000 after a serious safety failure led to an employee being shot and paralysed during an ammunition test at a Ministry of Defence range in South Wales.
The incident occurred in 25 March 2021 at the MoD’s Pendine Ranges, during a NATO ammunition quality assurance trial. A 5.56mm bullet struck the worker from a gun fired 570 metres away, leaving him paralysed from the shoulders down. He was a father of two.
An HSE investigation found that QinetiQ had failed to conduct a proper risk assessment, resulting in insufficient safety measures to prevent anyone from being in the line of fire during testing.
“Simple and inexpensive steps could have prevented this devastating incident… Employers must not rely on outdated practices but constantly reassess risks to protect their people.”
- Stuart Charles, Inspector, HSE
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Section 2(1)
AB Agri Limited, an East Yorkshire company, has been fined £566,000 after an employee lost his lower arm in a preventable machinery incident.
In November 2021, a 34-year-old blender operative was attempting to clear a blockage from a newly installed conveyor at the company’s Fridaythorpe site when his hand was pulled into the mechanism, severing his right arm below the elbow. He had only been employed for a few months and has been unable to return to work for over two years.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed that employees often cleared blockages without proper isolation and lacked adequate training. The company had also failed to review risk assessments and check safety guards on the conveyor.
“This life-changing injury was entirely avoidable. Employers must properly assess risk, implement control measures, and ensure staff are trained to work safely.”
- Sally Gay, Inspector, HSE
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Section 3 (1)
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has been fined £250,000 after three elderly patients died following preventable falls in its hospitals between 2022 and 2023.
The patients suffered fatal falls at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor and Wrexham Maelor Hospital. Investigations by the HSE revealed that BCUHB had repeatedly failed to implement an effective fall management system despite previous enforcement action in 2020 and a follow-up inspection in 2021, which highlighted ongoing shortcomings.
HSE Inspector Sarah Baldwin-Jones stated: “These deaths could have been avoided. Despite prior warnings, the health board did not follow its own policy or ensure staff were properly trained. This is the second prosecution in 18 months.”
Health and Safety at Work etc. Section 2(1)
Wheeldon Brothers Waste Limited, a recycling firm in Oldham, has been fined £250,000 after a worker was run over by a shovel loader on his first day on the job.
The incident occurred in July 2021, when the 40-year-old man was hand-picking waste on the ground due to a damaged conveyor belt being out of use after a fire. With no separation between pedestrians and moving vehicles and no risk assessment in place, the worker was struck from behind by a shovel loader. He suffered serious muscle, nerve, and bone damage to his leg and spent a week in hospital.
An HSE investigation found the company had failed to assess or adapt operations following the fire, leaving staff dangerously exposed to moving vehicles. There was a lack of supervision, poor vehicle-pedestrian segregation, and inadequate safety procedures.
“This man is lucky to be alive. The incident was entirely avoidable through basic safety practices such as proper vehicle-pedestrian segregation. The waste industry must take this as a serious reminder.”- Lisa Bailey, Principal Inspector, HSE
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Section 2(1) and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, Regulation 12 (1)
Novares Peterlee Limited, a manufacturing company based in the North-East, has been fined £204,000 after a worker suffered serious burns to his hands from molten plastic and inspectors uncovered multiple safety breaches on site.
The incident occurred in October 2021 when an employee attempted to clear hardened plastic from an injection moulding machine. While the machine was in manual mode, molten nylon heated to around 260–300°C was ejected, burning the worker’s hands and chest. He had not released pressure from the machine or worn appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
An HSE investigation found the company's safe work procedures were lacking, and the injured employee had not been formally trained on how to safely clear blockages.
During a follow-up visit to the Peterlee site in March 2022, HSE inspectors also observed workers operating unsafely at height, leading to eight prohibition notices being issued.
“This company failed to protect its workers from a range of risks. Falls from height and unsafe maintenance practices are entirely preventable with proper training, planning, and documented procedures.”
- Clare Maltby, Inspector, HSE
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Section 2(1)
Bury Metropolitan Borough Council has been fined £200,000 after a council worker was seriously injured while helping to install the town’s Christmas tree at Bury Market in November 2022.
James Lyth, a 32-year-old operations manager, was in a scissor lift adjusting the 20-foot tree when it toppled, causing him to fall with it. He suffered a concussion, severe bruising, and a deep leg wound requiring surgery. He used a wheelchair and crutches during recovery and was off work for two months.
An HSE investigation revealed the council failed to train Mr Lyth in the use of scissor lifts and had not conducted a proper risk assessment. A suitable assessment would have identified the need for trained personnel and stricter safety controls.
“This was a very serious incident that could have ended much worse. Proper training and risk assessment are essential when using elevated platforms to prevent serious or fatal injuries.”
- Leanne Ratcliffe, Inspector, HSE
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Section 3(1)
Dodwell Farm Limited has been fined £133,000 after a man suffered serious injuries from falling through a fragile barn roof in Southampton.
The 37-year-old, from Bursledon, was helping a friend repair fire damage at Dodwell Farm in February 2023. While fitting new panels to the sloped roof, he stepped onto timbers that couldn't bear his weight. They gave way, causing him to fall around 10 metres onto a hard surface below. He sustained severe injuries and required an extended hospital stay.
Upon investigation, the HSE found that no safety measures—such as barriers, netting, or safe access equipment—were in place during the roof work. The company failed to properly assess and control the risks associated with working at height.
Dodwell Farm Limited pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety laws and was fined £133,000, with additional costs, following a hearing.
“Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of death and serious injury in the workplace. Simple, well-known precautions could have prevented this incident.”- Nicola Pinckney, Inspector, HSE
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Section 3(1)
An indoor ski centre in Tamworth has been fined £100,000 after the tragic death of 12-year-old Louis Watkiss during a tobogganing session.
Louis was attending a birthday party at the SnowDome in September 2021 when his toboggan collided with a staff member walking on the slope. The staff member fell onto Louis, who sadly died at the scene from head injuries.
HSE's investigation found that SnowDome Limited had no adequate risk assessment in place for tobogganing activities. The company failed to consider the presence of pedestrians on the slope, and there were no effective safety measures, supervision, or staff training to manage the risk of collisions.
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