Cherry Picker Injury Claims

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.

Your Guide to Cherry Picker Accidents and When You Can Claim

Cherry pickers are used across countless industries, but there are risks and cherry picker injury claims may arise more often that many employers admit. From facilities management to arboriculture, telecoms to warehousing, these machines allow workers to reach heights safely and efficiently. B

ut when something goes wrong, it may result in serious injury which can lead to a personal injury claim for compensation.

Following accidents at work, employees may be frequently left unsure of their rights. However, if you’ve been injured and the accident was due to unsafe working conditions or employer negligence, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim.

Why Cherry Picker Accidents Happen

Cherry pickers are designed to keep workers safe at height, but they’re only as safe as the people operating them and the conditions they’re used in. Unfortunately, if employers cut corners, fail to maintain equipment, or ignore basic safety protocols, the risk of a serious accident soars.

A recent cherry picker accident reported by the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlights the severity of injuries which can be sustained. In this case, one worker was killed and another seriously injured when a cherry picker struck an overhead powerline.

Here are the most common causes of cherry picker accidents in England and Wales:

1. Poor or Inadequate Training

Operating a cherry picker requires more than a quick demonstration. Workers need proper training, including:

• Safe manoeuvring
• Emergency lowering procedures
• Load limits
• Working near hazards such as power lines or uneven ground

When employers rush training or skip it entirely, operators and those working nearby face significant risk.

2. Mechanical Failures

Cherry pickers must undergo regular inspections and maintenance. When they don’t, faults may develop, including:

• Hydraulic leaks
• Faulty brakes
• Malfunctioning controls
• Basket instability
• Boom collapse

Mechanical defects often lead to sudden, unexpected accidents that leave workers with life‑changing injuries.

3. Overturning and Tip‑Overs

Cherry pickers can possibly overturn if:

• They’re used on uneven or unstable ground
• Outriggers aren’t deployed correctly
• The basket is overloaded
• The boom is extended too far in windy conditions

Tip‑overs are among the most catastrophic cherry picker accidents, which may result in falls from height or crushing injuries.

4. Falls From Height

Even with guardrails and harness points, falls still happen. Common causes may include:

• Faulty harness equipment
• Sudden platform jolts
• Unsafe leaning or overreaching
• Slippery platform surfaces

Falls from cherry pickers frequently lead to severe injuries, especially when the platform is extended several metres above ground.

5. Electrocution

Cherry pickers are often used near overhead power lines. If operators aren’t given clear guidance or the site isn’t properly assessed, the risk of electrocution increases.

6. Collisions

Cherry pickers can collide with:

• Vehicles
• Structures
• Other machinery
• Pedestrians

These incidents can occur when visibility is poor or when employers fail to implement proper traffic‑management systems.

 Types of Injuries Caused by Cherry Picker Accidents

Cherry picker accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. However, because these machines operate at height and involve heavy mechanical components, injuries may often be severe.

1. Head and Brain Injuries

Falls, collisions, and falling objects can all cause brain injuries such as:

• Concussions
• Skull fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

These injuries often require long‑term rehabilitation and can permanently affect a person’s ability to work.

2. Spinal and Back Injuries

Sudden jolts, falls, or crushing incidents can lead to:

• Herniated discs
• Spinal fractures
• Nerve damage
• Paralysis

Spinal injuries are among the most serious outcomes of cherry picker accidents.

3. Broken Bones

Common fractures include:

• Arms and wrists (from trying to break a fall)
• Legs and ankles
• Ribs
• Pelvis

These injuries often require surgery and lengthy recovery periods.

4. Crush Injuries

Workers can be crushed:

• Between the basket and a structure
• Under an overturned cherry picker
• By falling components

Crush injuries can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and permanent disability.

5. Electrocution Injuries

Contact with live electrical sources can result in:

• Burns
• Cardiac arrest
• Neurological damage

These injuries are often life‑threatening.

6. Soft Tissue Injuries

Even less dramatic accidents can cause:

• Sprains
• Strains
• Whiplash‑type injuries
• Tendon damage

These injuries may seem minor but can still impact your ability to work.

When You Can Make a Cherry Picker Injury Claim

You can make a cherry picker injury claim if your accident happened because someone else failed to keep you safe. In England and Wales, employers have a legal duty to protect workers. When they breach that duty, and you’re injured as a result, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Here are the key situations where you can typically make a claim:

1. You Weren’t Given Proper Training

If you were asked to operate a cherry picker without adequate training or supervision, and you were injured, you likely have grounds for a claim. Employers must ensure operators are competent and confident before using MEWPs.

2. The Cherry Picker Was Faulty

If the machine malfunctioned due to poor maintenance, missed inspections, or known defects, your employer (or the equipment owner) may be liable.

3. The Worksite Was Unsafe

You may be able to claim if your accident was caused by:

• Unstable ground
• Poor lighting
• Lack of traffic management
• Obstructions
• Unsafe weather conditions

Employers must assess risks and take steps to eliminate or reduce them.

4. You Fell Because Safety Equipment Was Missing or Faulty

If you weren’t provided with:

• A harness
• A lanyard
• A secure anchor point
• A safe platform

…your employer may be responsible for your injuries.

5. You Were Hit by a Cherry Picker Operated Negligently

Even if you weren’t the operator, you can claim if someone else’s negligence caused your injury.

What You Can Claim For

While every case is different, cherry picker injury claims typically cover:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of earnings
• Future loss of earnings
• Medical treatment
• Rehabilitation
• Travel expenses
• Care and support

The more serious your injury, the higher the potential compensation. Your lawyer will be able to provide an estimate for your specific claim.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Cherry picker accidents often involve complex evidence, which generally includes:

• Maintenance records
• Training logs
• Risk assessments
• Witness statements
• CCTV footage
• Site‑safety documentation

The sooner you start your claim, the easier it is to secure this evidence before it disappears.

Get Started

Cherry picker accidents may often be the result of avoidable failures. For example, poor training, faulty equipment, rushed risk assessments, or unsafe working conditions. If you’ve been injured while using a cherry picker, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone.

To discuss your potential claim in confidence, contact Jefferies Claims on 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form to arrange your free consultation.