A firm has been fined after inadequate planning led to a worker’s foot being crushed, resulting in the amputation of three toes.
On 15th December 2016, Nicholas Jenkin, an employee of Swadlincote Aluminium and Welding Co Ltd, was painting several metal truck wash grids when one of the metal grids, which weighed a tonne, fell through the forks of a lift truck, landing on his foot, crushing it.
Following the incident, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), found that Swadlincote Aluminium and Welding Co Ltd had failed to sufficiently plan the task and the lift truck driver had not received adequate training in which to operate the truck. No safe system of work had been put into place, including the use of a sling on the lift truck which would have prevented the metal grid from falling through the forks.
HSE Inspector, David Keane, commented on the case “This injury could have easily been prevented had thorough planning been carried out. Employers should make sure they properly assess and apply effective control measures to minimise the risk from injury while operating fork lift trucks.”
Swadlincote Aluminium and Welding Co Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and were fined £4,400, with further costs of £860.40.
Source: SHP Online, Inadequate planning led to fork lift crush injury, 6th November 2017. Read the full article.