A logistics company has been fined after a lorry driver was crushed by a pallet being unloaded from his vehicle.
On 5th May 2017, an employee for Freight Movement Limited sustained serious injuries when a pallet containing 920kg of cardboard fell from the forklift that was unloading it, landing on top of him. As a result of the incident, the driver suffered multiple fractures and internal injuries.
Following the incident, an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), found there was insufficient segregation between vehicles on site and all pedestrians. There was also a lack of safe waiting zones for drivers, poor control over vehicle movements and an absence of safe walkways. Further investigation also highlighted that Freight Movement Limited had failed to consider the risks associated with the day-to-day operations of its busy site, which if considered, would have ensured appropriate control of risks relating to vehicles, loads, etc. on the site.
HSE inspector, Sian Donne, commented on the case “This incident could have easily been prevented by simply reviewing the risks from transport and keeping transport and people apart. This is a reminder to all companies to take suitable action to control the risks from transport in their workplace. HSE will take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
Freight Movement Limited pleaded guilty to Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and Regulation 3(1)(a) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. They received a fine of £84,000, with further costs of £5,633.69.
Source: HSE Media, Logistics company fined after driver suffers crush injuries. Read the full article.