A grounds maintenance contractor has been fined after a 23-year-old employee died while operating a ride-on lawnmower near Ripon, North Yorkshire.
What happened
Kamil Grygieniec, 23, from Northallerton, was cutting grass around a village pond in North Stainley on 8 October 2021 when the ride-on mower he was using descended a steep incline and entered the pond.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said the mower was being used without a roll-over protection system (ROPS) fitted. ROPS are designed to protect operators if a machine overturns and are considered a critical safety feature when working on uneven or sloping ground.
What the investigation found
HSE’s investigation concluded that MHS Countryside Management Limited failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient site-specific risk assessment for the work being undertaken.
Inspectors also established that the mower’s ROPS had been removed at some point before the job took place.
Where ride-on machinery is being used near water, and especially on slopes, risk assessment is not a paperwork exercise. It should identify hazards such as steep gradients, ground conditions, proximity to water, and the suitability of the machine and safety features for the terrain, then set out controls that will actually be followed on site.
Court outcome
MHS Countryside Management Limited, of Bishop Auckland, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
The company was fined £27,000 and ordered to pay £11,166 in costs at York Magistrates’ Court on 17 February 2026.
Family tributes
In a statement released following the case, Kamil’s parents described the ongoing impact of their loss and said they believed his death could have been prevented.
What the HSE said
After the hearing, HSE Inspector Darian Dundas reiterated that planning matters, particularly when work involves slopes and water, saying: “The completion of a suitable and sufficient site-specific risk assessment is vital.”
The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Iain Jordan, supported by paralegal officer Stephen Grabe.
What this means for employers
This case is a stark reminder that fatal outcomes can arise quickly when ride-on equipment is used in high-risk environments without proper safeguards.
Key actions for employers and supervisors include:
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Complete a site-specific risk assessment before mowing begins, factoring in slope angle, surface conditions, ground stability, weather, and proximity to water.
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Use the right machine for the terrain, with appropriate safety features and configurations for sloping ground.
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Never operate ride-on mowers without safety-critical protection, including ROPS where required. If a safety feature is missing, the machine should be taken out of service until it is rectified.
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Set clear rules and supervision for mowing near hazards such as ponds, ditches, embankments and steep banks, including exclusion zones where appropriate.
HSE guidance and templates on carrying out a suitable risk assessment are available on its website.
