The general manager of the diving company in Dorset pleaded guilty to the charges brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The victim, who was 17 years old at the time, was injured in the company’s workshop of on 21 April 2008.

The manager had used an extension to one of the truck forks of a forklift to move a large sheet of steel. The extension had not been properly secured. As the plate was being moved both it and the extension slid off the fork and fell onto the victim, fracturing his ankle.

An investigation by HSE found that the manager had not been trained to drive a forklift truck.

Fareham Magistrates' Court heard that the manager pleaded guilty to contravening section 37(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. He was fined a total of £2,500 and ordered to pay costs of £1,000.

A HSE Inspector commenting upon the case said:

"This case emphasises the responsibility that individual managers and staff have for the health and safety of their colleagues, particularly vulnerable young workers.

Adequate planning of the lifting operation and the use of suitable equipment would have avoided this injury to a young trainee. It goes without saying that anyone driving a forklift truck should be properly trained.

Simply spending a little time considering health and safety can stop incidents like this from happening altogether."

After the court case, the victim said:

"I am happy that the general manager pleaded guilty and that he took responsibility for the incident."