Risk assessment missed forklift danger
A Cheshire-based woodworking company has been sentenced after a worker was struck by a forklift truck (FLT).
The incident occurred on 27 March 2017 at Woodford Park Industrial Estate, Winsford.
An employee of Mid Cheshire Pallets Ltd was carrying a pallet across the workshop when he was struck by an forklift truck being driven by another employee. The worker suffered serious fractures to his leg and ankle in the incident and was off work for several months.
The HSE’s investigation found there was inadequate segregation of forklift trucks and pedestrians within the workspace. A risk assessment had been carried out but had not highlighted the importance of marking segregation areas.
Mid Cheshire Pallets Ltd of Leslie Road, Woodford Park Industrial Estate, Winsford pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) and Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £6,500 with costs of £7,362.58.
After the hearing, HSE Inspector Jane Carroll said:
“Those in control of work have a responsibility to provide safe methods of working and a safe working environment. If a suitable system of work had been in place the injuries sustained by this employee could have been prevented.”
This risk assesment fault could've been easily avoided had they had expert advice from a consultant. Take a look at our consultancy pages for more details or call us on 01785 850333