A pallet manufacturer has been fined after a worker was struck by a fork lift truck.
The worker was carrying a pallet across a workshop when struck by a fork lift being driven by another employee. The worker suffered serious leg and ankle fractures.
Poor Segregation
The court heard the woodworking company had failed to adequately segregate forklifts and workers who were moving around on foot. An investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) found:
- Inadequate segregation of fork lift trucks and pedestrians within the workshop; and
- A risk assessment had been carried out but overlooked the importance of marked vehicle and pedestrian areas.
Mid Cheshire Pallets Ltd pleaded guilty to breaking the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
It was fined £6,500 and ordered to pay costs of £7,362.
Suitable Work System
The HSE stress employers have a responsibility to provide safe methods of working and a safe working environment.
It commented “If a suitable system of work had been in place the injuries sustained by this employee could have been prevented”.
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