British Airways has been penalized with a fine exceeding £3.2 million following serious injuries incurred by two baggage handlers who fell from a height while performing their duties at Heathrow Airport in west London.

The incidents, described as “almost identical,” involved two employees utilizing televators—equipment designed for loading luggage onto aircraft—according to proceedings at London’s Southwark Crown Court.

In August 2022, Ravinder Teji sustained back injuries and a head laceration after a fall of 1.5 meters (4.9 feet), while in March 2023, Shahjahan Malik experienced a brain hemorrhage after a more severe fall of 3 meters (9.8 feet).

Previously, the airline admitted guilt to two counts of violating health and safety regulations in a case brought forward by the Health and Safety Executive.

The court was informed that the televators lacked safety features such as edge guard rails.

British Airways PLC was found to have neglected its responsibility to implement appropriate and adequate safety measures for its workers.

This negligence extended to those operating at heights, who were exposed to the hazard of falling while using ground service equipment like televators for baggage handling.

Judge Brendan Finucane KC remarked, “I am convinced that the level of culpability in both situations was significant,” as he levied a fine of £3,208,333 against the airline, alongside orders for £20,935 in legal costs and a £120 victim surcharge.