Company fined after worker hit by forklift

We talk about the importance of having properly trained staff operating forklifts all the time, but the HSE have released shocking video of the moment a worker was hit by a forklift, which brings into sharp focus how important this really is.

Self-employed delivery driver Andrew “John” Robinson suffered multiple leg fractures and a dislocated ankle as he was struck by the vehicle while delivering goods at T. Print Limited’s Bristol Avenue site in Blackpool on 25 March 2022.

Warning: Some viewers may find the following video disturbing. Credit: Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 

The 53-year-old, from Blackburn, had to be airlifted from the scene and spent a month in hospital because of his injuries. He has required multiple follow-up operations and, over a year later, has still not recovered sufficiently to be able to work.

Mr. Robinson says the incident and recovery has ‘taken a toll on his mental health.’

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found T. Print Limited had failed to ensure that there were adequate measures in place to ensure the safe segregation of delivery drivers from the unloading and loading activities, as Mr. Robinson was not instructed to stand or wait in a safe area during the unloading of his vehicle. The dangers should have been identified by a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks.

1974. Print Limited, of Bristol Avenue, Bispham, Blackpool, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £4,696.95 in costs at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on 20 July 2023.

HSE Inspector Matthew Shepherd said: “The company had failed to implement a safe system of work for its loading and unloading activities thereby exposing delivery drivers, such as Mr. Robinson, to the risk of being struck by the forklift truck conducting the unloading operation. Mr. Robinson sustained serious injuries which have had a significant impact on his life.

“All work settings that use forklift trucks to load or unload goods, need to consider the risks arising from their use and implement adequate segregation controls to ensure the safety of pedestrians, such as delivery drivers, during these activities.”

If you want to avoid something happening at your site, one of the best ways to reduce this risk is to have properly trained staff, so check out our courses and see if we can help you achieve this – https://keyperformancetraining.co.uk/forklift-courses/