Firm fined £30k after worker hit by forklift truck

The firm pleaded guilty at Dudley Magistrates Court on 31 July

A company has been fined £30,000 after a welder was left seriously injured when he was hit by a forklift truck.

David Lucas was working for manufacturing firm Fablink UK Limited at its site on Stafford Road in Wolverhampton when he was hit by the reversing forklift.

Mr Lucas, 45, suffered a broken ankle and a broken elbow, and spent several days in hospital after the incident on 12 January 2023.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed the firm had inadequate measures for keeping vehicles and pedestrians apart.

It was common at the firm for forklifts to enter welding areas while pedestrians were in close proximity, the HSE said.

Arrangements for monitoring the condition of vehicles were inadequate, and poor maintenance regimes were in place, it added.

The Executive said the forklift truck involved in Mr Lucas’ injury was in a poor state of repair, had a broken horn and excessively worn tyres.

Inspectors found that the risk assessment for workplace transport was not suitable, and that the company had previously received advice about vehicle and pedestrian separation.

“This case emphasises the dangers to safety from poorly managed workplace transport and plant maintenance,” said HSE inspector Heather Campbell.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”

The firm pleaded guilty at Dudley Magistrates Court on 31 July to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

They were fined £30,000 and ordered to pay costs of £6,104.10.