British Airways Fined Over £3 Million After Serious Falls at Heathrow

British Airways has been fined more than £3 million following two serious incidents where employees fell from height while unloading baggage at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5.

Incident Summaries

August 2022: A 54-year-old employee fell 1.5 metres from a televator while unloading baggage, sustaining serious back and head injuries, including a fractured vertebra.

March 2023: A 43-year-old worker fell three metres from an elevator during baggage unloading, resulting in a fractured jaw and bleeding on the brain.

Both employees required hospital treatment and several months off work.

Investigation Findings

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identified several safety failings:

• Inadequate Guardrails: Gaps between televator guardrails and the aircraft fuselage posed fall risks, especially after platform extensions.

• Unaddressed Hazards: Despite prior HSE visits, British Airways had not fully implemented measures to mitigate these risks.

• Incomplete Safety Features: In the second incident, the elevator's operator platform was not fully extended, creating a hazardous gap.

Legal Outcome

British Airways pleaded guilty to two charges under Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The company was fined £1.33 million for the August 2022 incident and £1.875 million for the March 2023 incident, totalling £3.2 million. Additionally, they were ordered to pay £20,935 in costs at Southwark Crown Court on May 15, 2025.

Lessons for Employers

This case underscores the importance of:

• Risk Assessment: Regularly evaluate and address potential fall hazards.

• Preventive Measures: Implement and maintain safety features, such as guardrails, to prevent falls.

• Training: Ensure employees are trained to recognise and mitigate risks associated with working at height.

Falls from height remain a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities. Employers must proactively implement safety measures to protect their workforce.

 British Airways has been fined more than £3 million following two serious incidents where employees fell from height while unloading baggage at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5.

Incident Summaries

August 2022: A 54-year-old employee fell 1.5 metres from a televator while unloading baggage, sustaining serious back and head injuries, including a fractured vertebra.

March 2023: A 43-year-old worker fell three metres from an elevator during baggage unloading, resulting in a fractured jaw and bleeding on the brain.

Both employees required hospital treatment and several months off work.

Investigation Findings

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identified several safety failings:

• Inadequate Guardrails: Gaps between televator guardrails and the aircraft fuselage posed fall risks, especially after platform extensions.

• Unaddressed Hazards: Despite prior HSE visits, British Airways had not fully implemented measures to mitigate these risks.

• Incomplete Safety Features: In the second incident, the elevator's operator platform was not fully extended, creating a hazardous gap.

Legal Outcome

British Airways pleaded guilty to two charges under Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The company was fined £1.33 million for the August 2022 incident and £1.875 million for the March 2023 incident, totalling £3.2 million. Additionally, they were ordered to pay £20,935 in costs at Southwark Crown Court on May 15, 2025.

Lessons for Employers

This case underscores the importance of:

• Risk Assessment: Regularly evaluate and address potential fall hazards.

• Preventive Measures: Implement and maintain safety features, such as guardrails, to prevent falls.

• Training: Ensure employees are trained to recognise and mitigate risks associated with working at height.

Falls from height remain a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities. Employers must proactively implement safety measures to protect their workforce.

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