Company fined after a worker was injured by a forklift truck

A facility services company operating at Winchester prison has been fined after a worker suffered a broken leg when he was struck by a forklift truck (FLT).

Aldershot Magistrates’ Court heard that on 23 May 2019, the Gov Facility Services Limited employee was injured whilst carrying out inspections of drain covers adjacent to a workshop. He was struck by a FLT, breaking the bone in his right leg. The driver of the FLT was unloading boxes for a delivery to the canteen, his view was obscured by the load on the forks, preventing him from seeing the other employee.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident found that the company had failed to carry out the appropriate risk assessment to identify and implement risk control measures to ensure vehicles and pedestrians were not working at the same time in the same place.

Gov Facility Services Limited of Albany House, Petty France, London pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay costs of £7,636.38

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Nicola Pinckney said: “This injury was easily preventable. Planning for transport safety and implementing safe working practices should avoid such incidents.

“Workplace transport is a significant hazard and the risks must be recognised and managed. There are simple and effective measures employers can take to help keep everyone safe.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required safety standards.”

Source HSE Website 30/06/2021

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