Council secures successful prosecution following serious workplace injury at golf club
St Helens Borough Council's Environmental Health Service has secured a successful prosecution against Berrington Hall Golf Club Ltd and a member of staff following a serious incident in which an employee suffered significant injuries.
Article date: 23 February 2026
An apprentice at the club had been instructed by another member of staff to stand in the bucket of an excavator machine they were operating, when the bucket was retracted - accidentally trapping and severely injuring the apprentice's arm.
An investigation by the council's environmental health officers uncovered multiple health and safety failings by the company.
On 2 February 2026 at Liverpool Magistrates' Court, following earlier guilty pleas, both Berrington Hall Golf Club Ltd and the excavator driver were sentenced for failing to comply with their health and safety duties.
The company received a £5,000 fine and was ordered to pay a £2,000 victim fee, while the member of staff involved is required to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work as part of an 18-month Community Order.
Councillor Tracy Dickinson, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Environmental Services, said:
"This was a wholly avoidable incident that left a young apprentice with significant injuries, and it highlights just how vital it is for employers to take their health and safety responsibilities seriously.
"I want to thank our environmental health officers for their thorough investigation and for ensuring that the individuals responsible were held to account. We hope this case sends a clear message to all businesses in our borough that proper training, supervision and risk assessment are essential to keeping people safe."