I was recently reading the Metro (14 Apr 10) about the HANDYMAN who recently fell 14 feet after leaning his ladder against the tree branch he was sawing off - and now he is suing his bosses !!! How can you sue for an obvious mistake??? However, that is exactly what Egerton House Hotel in Bolton is facing after magistrates fined the hotel £1,000 and ordered to pay £1,000 court costs for failing to carry out a risk assessment. Apparently, Mr Peter Aspinall, 64, broke his heel and damaged his ligaments while pruning the tree with another man at the hotel. Defence solicitor David Walton informed the magistrates that 'Laurel and Hardy do this thing. They cut the branch the ladder was leaning against.' However, Mr Aspinall is not seeing the funny side of this and pursuing a civil claim for compensation.

So what are the implications of this case to commercial property owners?

Firstly - make sure that qualified people cut and prune your trees to avoid costly legal action.
Secondly - it is quite obvious that not all HANDYMEN are adept to tree pruning and so judge the jobs based on the personal injury risk. If it is too risky to undertake without the right equipment, call in the professionals.
Thirdly - undertake regular maintenance and site surveys to your trees, it will save you money in the end.

For further information in reducing your safety risks regarding trees on your property, go to The Health and Safety website www.hse.gov.uk or give us a call for no obligation advice on 0800 028 4164.