FORK LIFT TRUCK ACCIDENT AT WORK CAUSES FATAL INJURY

June 9th, 2008 Hinchliffes

A firm has been prosecuted after a work accident in which one of its workers died. The accident happened in January 2005 when a 60-year-old employee was crushed.

A forklift truck had been going round a corner when its driver performed an emergency stop in order to avoid hitting a staff member. Due to the sudden braking, a steel coil situated on the forks became dislodged and fell on top of the man, pinning him to the ground. He later died from his injuries.

As a result of this accident at work IP, a firm which is located in Uxbridge, was given a fine of £50,000 and ordered to pay £6,000 in costs at a hearing at Leeds Crown Court. The company pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety regulations.

COMMENT:-

No risk assessments had been carried out and there was no system to safely separate pedestrians and vehicles on the site. Introducing these standard safety management procedures could have saved the workers life. As a result of the death it is likely that there was a claim for personal injury compensation on behalf of the deceased’s estate and his family.

Employers have a duty to ensure traffic routes for pedestrians and vehicles are clearly marked and that staff are trained in their use. As this accident shows, a momentary lapse can lead to disastrous consequence.

PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM SOLICITORS:-

If you have suffered any form of accident contact personal injury specialists Hinchliffes Solicitors for immediate legal advice, to find out if you are entitled to make claims for injury compensation. All cases are conducted on a No Win – No Fee basis, where the Client keeps 100% of the compensation recovered.

Call now on 0800 138 1348 to speak direct to a personal injury lawyer or go to our Start Your Claim Now page to submit details of your personal injury claim online.