In court

Worker crushed due to transport management failures

Alison Fava

A Newport-based logistics company has been fined after a driver was crushed by a full pallet when his lorry was being unloaded.

On 5 May 2017, an employee of Freight Movement Limited was seriously injured when a pallet loaded with 920kg of cardboard packaging toppled from a forklift and landed on him. The driver suffered multiple fractures and internal injuries.

Investigating, the HSE found:

• A lack of segregation between vehicles and pedestrians;
• Inadequate safe waiting zones for drivers;
• Lack of control over vehicle movements and an absence of safe walkways.

The company also failed to critically consider the main risks of its busy transport operation and ensure there was adequate control of transport risks at the site.

Freight Movement Limited of Wern Industrial Estate, Rogerstone, Newport pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and Regulation 3(1)(a) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and was fined £84,000 with costs of £5,633.69.

HSE Inspector Siân Donne said after the hearing: “This incident could have easily been prevented by simply reviewing the risks from transport and keeping transport and people apart. This is a reminder to all companies to take suitable action to control the risks from transport in their workplaces. HSE will take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”

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