An engineering fabrication company has been sentenced after a worker was crushed by a metal frame that fell from a forklift truck.
On 11th October 2017, an employee of J L Engineering (Rixton) Ltd, working with another employee, was moving a trestle frame with the use of a forklift truck. In an attempt to release the frame, which was caught on the wheels of the truck, the driver loosened the securing straps. As a result, the frame toppled from the lift truck onto the employee, who suffered multiple severe fractures and a ruptured bladder. The worker is still receiving medical treatment following the incident, and has been unable to return to work.
Following the incident, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), found that J L Engineering Ltd had not prepared a risk assessment or lifting plan for the task. They had also failed to recognize the risks associated with the way in which the workers chose to complete the task and workers had not received adequate training or instruction in methods of completing lifting operations safely.
HSE inspector, Catherine Lyon, commented: “The employees injuries in this case were life-changing and could have been fatal. Employees were put at risk as a result of the company allowing forklift trucks to be used without the appropriate training and monitoring of drivers. Employers have a responsibility to provide safe methods of working and to ensure workers are have the necessary information and training to enable them to work without risk.”
J L Engineering (Rixton) Ltd pleaded guilty of breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. They received a fine of £22,000, with further costs of £5,895.32.
Source: SHP Online, Worker crushed by falling metal frame, 4th June 2019. Read the full article online.