Worcestershire-based BA Mobile Fleet Services Limited has been fined £30,000 after a worker suffered life-changing injuries, including the amputation of his lower leg, when he was crushed by a one-tonne concrete block. The incident, which occurred on 14 December 2023, highlighted severe safety failings at the Redditch-based vehicle maintenance company.
Untrained forklift driver caused life-changing injuries to colleague
The 35-year-old was inside an HGV box trailer at the company’s premises, assisting with the loading of concrete blocks in preparation for a Driver Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) brake test. While a colleague operated a forklift truck to place the heavy blocks inside the trailer, one of the stacks was “nudged,” causing a one-tonne block to topple onto the worker’s legs.
The impact resulted in devastating injuries, leading to the subsequent amputation of his left foot and lower leg. He also sustained serious injuries to his right leg. Adding to the profound personal impact of the incident, the injured worker was later dismissed from his job. The severity of the outcome underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols in all workplace environments, particularly those involving heavy machinery and moving loads.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) uncovered significant breaches in workplace safety. It was determined that BA Mobile Fleet Services Limited had failed to implement appropriate measures to segregate workers from moving vehicles on its site. This fundamental safety lapse meant that personnel were permitted to be in close proximity to active loading operations without adequate protection.
Furthermore, the HSE investigation revealed a critical deficiency in training and authorisation. The forklift truck driver involved in the incident had not received the necessary training to operate such vehicles and was not authorised by the company to do so. This lack of proper training and oversight directly contributed to the unsafe conditions that led to the worker’s severe injuries. The HSE emphasised that preventing workplace transport incidents requires organisations to consistently implement proven control measures, including thorough risk assessments and rigorous equipment maintenance.
BA Mobile Fleet Services Limited, located at Unit 2 The Works, Tanworth Lane, Redditch, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act. At a hearing held at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on 15 April 2026, the company was ordered to pay a fine of £30,000, in addition to costs totalling £4,325.
HSE inspector Emma Page commented on the case, stating that the injuries sustained by the young man were “truly life-changing.” She highlighted the alarming number of people injured or killed each year in workplace transport-related incidents. Inspector Page stressed the responsibility of companies to ensure the safety of their employees, asserting that “We will take action against those who fail to do so.” This prosecution serves as a stark reminder to all employers of their legal and moral obligations to protect their workforce from foreseeable risks.
This story was originally published by the Health and Safety Executive.
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