The HSE’s investigation into the incident, which happened in December 2016, found the company did not have a safe system of work in place to avoid this kind of incident. In particular:
Lemon Groundwork Solutions Limited of Russell Gardens, Wickford, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £100,000 with costs of £6,253.14.
After the hearing HSE Inspector Nikki Hughes said: “This incident could easily have been avoided by the implementation of affordable control measures, such as a lifting accessory being used on the forklift truck. Handling and moving rebar is a well-recognised industry risk, which the company failed to identify and manage, despite the activity occurring frequently during a working day.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
With employees who drive for business more likely to be killed at work than deep sea divers or coal miners, driver safety is a vital business consideration.
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