Fine for ineffective risk control

It is always vital to segregate a forklift truck from pedestrians. Where this isn't possible, an effective safe system of work must be enforced. The following is a write up from a recent HSE investigation into a preventable forklift truck injury.

A company specialising in interior and exterior stonework has been fined after an employee sustained serious injuries when he was struck by a forklift truck.

Peterborough Magistrates’ Court heard how an employee of Tudor Stonework Limited was injured whilst moving stone slabs during a lifting operation. The system of work required two operatives to walk in front of the forklift truck to steady the suspended load. However, during this operation the forklift truck ran over the foot of one of the operatives resulting in an open fracture to his left leg as well as crush injuries to his foot.

An investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident found that the system of work for transporting stone slabs was not safe, as it required the operatives to be in close proximity to the moving forklift truck.

Tudor Stonework Limited of Silver Street, Enfield, Middlesex pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined £466 and ordered to pay costs of £5,570.

Speaking after the hearing, the HSE inspector said: “Industry practices should be reassessed where other stonemasons may be transporting stone slabs in a similar way. “Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”