A local council in Wales has appeared in front of magistrates after one of its employees was injured when a dumper truck overturned in woodlands.
On 25 September 2008, Bridgend County Borough Council worker, Mark Morgan, was driving the one-tonne vehicle through woodland near Moel Gilau Lane, Bettws when it began to slide. The truck toppled over and trapped Mr Morgan’s leg between the vehicle and a tree. He suffered a broken leg and was airlifted to hospital for treatment.
The HSE’s investigation found that the vehicle was not suitable for the gradient where it was being used. The council had not created a risk assessment for the method of work, and there was no evidence that staff had been trained how to use the dumper truck
HSE inspector Ceri Beynon said: “Risks associated with improper use should never be underestimated and this incident could easily have been prevented.
“Employers have a duty of care to ensure that drivers are suitably trained, risks are properly assessed, and that adequate safety measures are in place. Those involved in the planning and execution of work involving the use of plant or equipment need to ensure they are fully aware of the safety limitations of use.”
The council appeared at Bridgend Magistrates’ Court on 24 May and pleaded guilty to breaching s2(1) of the HSWA 1974. It was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5623.
Following the hearing the council released a statement, which said: “Bridgend County Borough Council has the highest regard for the health, safety and well-being of its staff. Following the incident, the authority carried out a health and safety investigation into what happened and how the accident could have been avoided.€ﾨ €ﾨ“This has resulted in a number of recommendations being identified which will help to prevent such accidents from occurring in future. These recommendations have all been implemented and a programme of further staff training has been carried out to ensure that employees can work safely.”
The Safety Conversation with SHP (previously the Safety and Health Podcast) aims to bring you the latest news, insights and legislation updates in the form of interviews, discussions and panel debates from leading figures within the profession.
Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, subscribe and join the conversation today!
