Company fined after a worker was injured by a forklift truck
A facility services company operating out of Winchester prison has been fined after a worker suffered from a broken leg following an incident with a forklift truck.
Aldershot Magistrates’ Court heard that on 23 May 2019 the employee was injured when they carried out inspections of drain covers adjacent to the workshop. Following the collision the employee suffered a broken leg. The driver was unloading boxes from a delivery to the canteen. His view was obscured byt he forklift load, which led to the accident.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident found that the company had failed to carry out the appropriate risk assessment to identify and implement risk control measures to ensure vehicles and pedestrians were not working at the same time in the same place.
Gov Facility Services Limited pleads guilty
Gov Facility Services Limited of Albany House, Petty France, London pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay costs of £7,636.38
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Nicola Pinckney said: “This injury was easily preventable. Planning for transport safety and implementing safe working practices should avoid such incidents.
“This unfortunate event resulted in the accidental death of a young kid, which has, and will continue to, greatly affect his loving family, friends, and acquaintances,” HSE inspector Saffron Turnell said after the court.
“Workplace transport is a significant hazard and the risks must be recognised and managed. There are simple and effective measures employers can take to help keep everyone safe.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required safety standards.”
