A company has been fined after a worker fractured his vertebrae after falling while working on the platform of a crane.

High Wycombe Magistrates Court heard how the 54-year-old was working on the platform on 14 March 2016, which was two metres above ground level when he fell. He has since made a largely full recovery.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the fall could have been prevented by reasonably practicable measures, which have now been put in place.

Terex Cranes UK Ltd pleaded guilty to Regulation (4) of the Working at Height Regulations 2005 at High Wycombe Magistrates, was fined £50,000. The company also had to pay costs of £1699.52 and a £170 victim surcharge.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Stephen Faulkner said: “This case highlights the importance of ensuring that workers have reasonable measures in place while working at height and it is carried out in a safe manner.

“The company has now initiated a system of work platforms which would have prevented the falls.”