Health and Safety Failings – Firm fined over HGV incident

Firm fined over HGV incident

Key Facts

• A firm have been fined after a worker was hit by an HGV and suffered serious injuries
• The investigation found pedestrians and vehicles were not suitably separated
• The firm was fined £20,000, plus costs of £1,878.50

The Case

An HSE investigation was launched into the practices of a transport arm of a proteins firm after worker was seriously injured in an incident in on 30 Apr 2014.

The site’s transport manager was walking from the site office to the carpark whilst HGV lorries were operating in the yard. He was unable to walk the usual route due to the presence of a shallow trench, and an HGV and trailer which were also parked there.

The worker was run over by the cab of an articulated lorry which knocked him to the ground. He was then trapped beneath the lorry’s fuel tank and colleagues had to use a JCB to free him from underneath the HGV. He suffered two broken toes, severe bruising to the legs, and stretched a tendon in his foot.

The subsequent HSE investigation found that the trench had been dug in order to repair a diesel pipe and had been marked with cones and tape, blocking the normal pedestrian route. However, no alternative route was put in place. There was no safe and suitable separation of vehicles and pedestrian in place.

The case was heard on Tue 13 May 2015 at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court where the firm pleaded guilty to breaching Section 33(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act. They were fined £20,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,878.50.

What the HSE inspector had to say

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Matthew Tinsley stated

‘This accident could easily have been fatal. As it is Mr Robinson is still experiencing lingering difficulties with one ankle and both knees that impact on his daily life and he may require surgery. The accident could have been prevented if the company had taken simple steps to keep pedestrians and vehicles apart in the yard, as they did after the accident.’

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