A facility services company operating at Winchester prison has been fined following an incident in which a worker suffered a broken leg when he was struck by a forklift truck (FLT).
The Gov Facility Services Limited employee was injured whilst carrying out inspections of drain covers adjacent to a workshop, on 23 May 2019. He was struck by a FLT, breaking a bone in his right leg. The driver of the FLT was unloading boxes for a delivery to the canteen, but his view was obscured by the load on the forks, preventing him from seeing the other employee.
The HSE’s investigation 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, and was fined £30,000 with 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.”
